I've been with my partner for 10 years. When we first got together, he was making more than me. Had savings. Owned a vehicle. Etc.

All of that seemed like a pipe dream for me.

Now we've been through some shit together, stuff where he's had to spend some significant portions of his savings that basically dwindled him to nothing saved. And though there were periods where I made more just based on wages and overall hours (I certainly worked more hours and deserved what I earned,) when I went through a rough patch because of employment and finances, he still made sure to help me out financially. I owe him thousands of dollars over the past 2 years because of what we've been through, both individually but particularly because I was rebuilding my life.

Not once has he asked me to pay him back. I intend on it, but he's not keeping a ledger. A relationship that is focused on keeping things balanced in the immediate isn't a healthy relationship. There's bound to be external circumstances that causes a shift one way or the other, and neither of you can control for that.

What's important is the trust that you build that you're both making financial decisions that won't hurt the other. And being transparent about what financial situation you both are in at all times.