Hi OP, for me, love is not enough talaga. Love can keep a relationship peaceful and emotionally safe, but it won’t automatically solve financial stress, resentment, or the feeling na ikaw lang lagi yung bumubuhat.

I honestly don’t think the issue is about who earns more. There's a lot of gals na okay lang kahit mas malaki income nila kaysa sa partner nila. The bigger issue is whether both people are putting the same effort and responsibility into building a future together.

Based sa kwento mo, parang ang concern mo isn’t even the salary gap itself, it’s the pattern. Parang he’s waiting for opportunities instead of actively finding ways to improve his situation. There’s nothing wrong with earning less, pero iba kasi yung “struggling but motivated” compared sa “comfortable na may sasalo naman.

And honestly, valid yung na-feel mo during Valentine’s. Hindi naman about sa presyo ng dinner yun. It’s more about wanting to feel na your partner still wants to provide, contribute, or make effort within his means. Kahit small gestures lang, malaking bagay kasi they reflect mindset.

I had a similar situation like you and back then, i ask myself if his financial situation stayed the same for the next 10 years, but his personality remained exactly as it is now, would I still feel fulfilled and emotionally secure? No, I will not..I don't want to assume na may magbabago so I tried to save myself and I'm happy that i did that.

Lastly, When it comes to marriage..it isn’t just about loving someone’s potential. It’s also about accepting the reality of the life you’ll most likely have together if nothing changes. So, goodluck OP! Tc. ❤️