View Full Version : Boyfriend asks me how much I make
CFZD
May 6, 2015, 07:56 PM
My boyfriend asks me how much I make?
I told him the agreement I signed with my company stated that I shall not share such info. Unless it's to my lawyer or family members.
He told me he won't tell anyone... and he said he is fine telling me how much he makes if I need to know. I told him, no I don't need to know that. He was a bit upset.
I don't want to reveal my salary, ever and I do not really need to know how much he makes, I am sure he makes much less than me and it's not a deal breaker that he makes less.
What do I do if he asks me again? Do you tell your bf/gf your salary?
The agreement you signed with your employer was not to disclose your salary with other employees. It most likely had nothing to do with whom you disclose that information in your personal life.
With that said, until you have a ring and a date for a wedding, it is your right not to tell him how much you make. You simply tell him you live comfortably.
teacherjenn4
May 6, 2015, 08:43 PM
I didn't ask my husband his much he made until a few days prior to our wedding. It really didn't matter to me.
Oliver2011
May 6, 2015, 08:43 PM
My spouse knows but that's on a different level. You need to tell him what you feel comfortable telling him what you want to tell him.
smoothy
May 6, 2015, 09:11 PM
You must be the ONLY person that takes that agreement seriously. As was pointed out that is Supposed to be between employees.. That's so they can screw people on pay and raises without them knowing it. In theory anyway if everyone actually took it serious and followed it. I assume you are really young and this is your first job and you haven't had it very long.
Fr_Chuck
May 7, 2015, 02:11 AM
This is a culture thing, in western culture, normally he can tell how much you make from what job position you have (job title) and life style.
But he is a boyfriend, not husband. Sounds like not a boyfriend for long, So what happens when he does tell his friends bragging?
BUT>>>>> as noted, it is a culture thing, a total stranger will come up to you in China and ask you how much do you make.
Next in China, you do not call someone a boyfriend, unless there is a plan toward marriage. So normally in China, on about the 3rd date (you know marriage is more serious if you date more than twice. The man and women in China will sit down with all of their bank statement and show each other all income, money in the bank, loans, debts and payments.
So culture and location can really make a big difference on how it works.
talaniman
May 7, 2015, 05:09 AM
I think this comes down to how comfortable you are with this boyfriend, and how far along this relationship has progressed. If he is worthy of being a boyfriend, then he must be worthy of your trust and of your HONESTY.
Nothing wrong with expressing that honesty if you are not ready to cross that bridge about your personal finances.
Maybe he asks as a way to see where he stands with you.
joypulv
May 7, 2015, 05:27 AM
I agree, especially with 'how far along this relationship has progressed.'
Not telling him because of your employment agreement is being coy. I suspect that the real reason is that you just don't feel like telling him, period, at least not yet!
If you start living together and sharing expenses, then tell him. I'm not getting a good feeling about the longevity of this relationship, however. I think he might resent your higher salary.
Homegirl 50
May 7, 2015, 06:02 AM
I have never had a boyfriend ask me how much money I make. Unless we're getting married, it's none of his business.
How long has he been your boyfriend?
CFZD
May 7, 2015, 02:00 PM
I don't feel safe to tell because he also knows my coworkers so if he ever decides to tell my coworkers, I will be in trouble.
There is no way to assure he will never tell others, right?
Plus I don't know how he feels if he knows my salary that is much higher ( I am talking about roughly 3 times of his), I am sure he doesn't know it's that high because I am rather a frugal person.
Oliver2011
May 7, 2015, 02:31 PM
If you don't feel safe to tell then don't tell. It can't be any simpler.
talaniman
May 7, 2015, 02:57 PM
Then tell him to stop being rude. Such a question makes you uncomfortable. You don't answer to him for your cautious, conservative, frugal nature. He accepts you the way you are.
I think you are right to keep him out of your very personal business for now. How long have you been dating, and an official couple?
Is this the guy teaching you to swim?
CFZD
May 7, 2015, 03:16 PM
No, it's not the same guy. The "swimming" guy started drink a lot again so we broke up. This guy I have only known for couple months, he declared our relationship just after a month of dating. He introduced me to all his family and calls me his girlfriend. I honestly don't ever want to tell someone my salary, until that person becomes my husband...
Was it rude that he asked about my salary? In reality, I think he is quite gentle and sweet.
Oliver2011
May 7, 2015, 03:28 PM
Have you told him no yet? It sounds like you are very impressed with your salary and maybe it comes across to him that way and maybe that's why he asked. Tell him no and move on.
CFZD
May 7, 2015, 03:40 PM
I said No immediately he asked.
He hasn't talked to me afterwards, which is unusal of him.
Oliver2011
May 7, 2015, 03:59 PM
I think you avoided something I said. If you are flaunting your salary, which you seem very impressed with, then I can see why he was probably curious. Regardless how you defend that point, we are only hearing your side of this story. I'd like to know how many times you have told us how much more you make than this other person. But I'm choosing not to read these posts again.
Honestly I make more than my partner, we've been together almost 5 years, and this issue has never come up because we love each other AND we are mature. Think about it.
CFZD
May 7, 2015, 04:24 PM
I understand. It's hard to see the whole story by just reading what I wrote.
Only time will tell, no point to worry about all the issues. If it works out, it will work out.
If it doesn't, then move on.:)
Homegirl 50
May 7, 2015, 05:25 PM
I think the fact that he has called you his girl, introduced you to his family and asked how much money you make in a month is telling.
That, in my opinion is a very personal question to ask someone you've been seeing a month.
dontknownuthin
May 7, 2015, 06:15 PM
You do not have any obligation to share this information and he Should stop grilling you. Tell him you make enough to support your lifestyle and pursue your financial goals. Dating is not engaged. Should you get engaged you would likely need to discuss this as addressing your financial plans and expectations and values is important in planning a marriage. I think it is weird he is making an issue of it.
DoulaLC
May 7, 2015, 06:52 PM
He asked you once? And you said, no, that you can't share it due to an agreement you signed at work and that you don't want to. Odds are he won't bring it up again... It would be quite awkward for him to do so after the previous discussion on it.
If he does happen to ask again, simply tell him no again, that its something you feel should be kept private. If he gets upset again, so be it. He should respect your boundaries of privacy.
spicywings
May 8, 2015, 06:58 PM
A boyfriend wants to know? None of his business. Your fiancée or husband wants to know... OK, that's different... within reason.
Jake2008
May 9, 2015, 05:11 AM
Do not tell him what he is not entitled to know. Especially as a boyfriend, and particularly I light of the agreement you have with your company.
I don't know how these lines get crossed. Any individual is allowed their privacy! Which includes pretty much everything when it comes to 'owing' anybody an explanation, and particularly a boyfriend.
If he is asking because he doesn't want to feel 'less of a man' by being with a woman who makes more money than he does- that says something as to his character. Or, that says something if he is fishing to see if you can loan him money to fix is car.
That he wants to dangle a carrot under your nose- by first offering what he makes, so you will be more inclined to offer what you make- also speaks to a questionable character in my opinion.
If you want to lose your job, your dignity, and yourself respect, then tell him. If not, tell him to buzz off. And make sure he doesn't have access to any drawers that may contain your pay stubs...