Should I Date a Man Who Isn’t Motivated To Support Himself and His Family?
- Dating, Should I Give Him a Chance?
I have been seeing a man for 8 months. For 4 of those months he was staying with me, temporarily, because he was starting his life over after his divorce and had little income. I offered for him to live with me rent free, even though I thought it was too soon to be living together, and I haven’t been in a relationship for over 5 years before him. He is 56 and I’m 48.
Once the 4 months was up, I insisted it was time for him to move out, that I wasn’t going to support him indefinitely and I hadn’t seen him doing a whole lot to earn a living. He just started working in San Francisco for a friend who owns a business, staying with his friend and borrowing a car. The plan is for him to work there 3 weeks out of the month, and then come back to New Mexico to see me for one week. I know this can’t go on indefinitely, but for now at least he will be working and I will have my space back. He is hoping that I will find a job out there and move there with him. It’s not out of the question as I am interested in making some life changes anyway and have some family there. But right now I don’t trust his ability to really be a partner economically. I want someone who has the means and motivation to support himself and his responsibilities (he has 2 children and is struggling to pay child support).
If I were a psychologist, I might use a term like “enabler” to describe you.
I love him, yes, and he loves me–adores me, in fact. He is not going to disappear from my life unless I tell him to, so that is not the problem–keeping him interested is not an issue. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by his attention and need to be with me all the time. You talk about unconditional love, as does he–but where does real life fit in with that? Looking at the possibility of a future with him, from where we are now, looks like a frightening and potentially enormous financial burden I cannot and will not take on. When is love just not enough? I don’t believe in trying to change a guy that I am with, either. And he loves me in a way that I have rarely been loved, so the idea of giving that up is so hard. But something in me does not trust him, based on his history and maybe some of mine too, so I feel very conflicted. I know it is unlikely you will be able to answer this given the volume of emails you must get, but if you can I would be so grateful for your wise advice. -Naomi
Dear Naomi,
If I were a psychologist, I might use a term like “enabler” to describe you.
But I’m not, so I’ll just answer your question point-blank:
You can’t change this man.
You’re right not to trust him.
Love is not enough.
For all I talk about the concept of unconditional love, I’m generally assuming an underlying level of stability: decent job, happy disposition, no addictions, rap sheets, or debilitating diseases, healthy self-esteem, etc.
Because you can have all the love in the world, but if he’s an alcoholic or bipolar or chronically unemployed, you’re getting on a ship that’s got a big, fat hole in the bottom. And you can’t be too surprised when that ship sinks, bringing you down with it.
It doesn’t take a relationship expert to objectively see the holes in your ship.
He’s unemployed, which is fair, given this moment in U.S. history. He hasn’t been doing much to earn a living, which isn’t quite fair.
This man is a child, looking for a mommy. You need a man who can stand on his own two feet.
He struggles to pay child support.
He’s now living in San Francisco with a friend and coming back to see you once a month. This doesn’t make sense economically for a man who has no money. Is this the only job he could get? Is this the smartest way he can save to get on his own two feet? Apart from him leaving your space, is this good for your relationship?
He overwhelms you with attention and needs to be with you all the time. This is the hallmark of a desperate person.
So let’s not beat around the bush here, Naomi.
Your boyfriend is a very leaky ship and the reason he clings to you so desperately is that you’re the only thing that can stop him from sinking.
It’s very clear what HE gets out of the relationship — love, support, shelter, money, stability, self-esteem, sex… It’s not as clear what YOU get out of the relationship.
As a dating coach, I often tell women to make compromises — smart ones that are consistent with your long-term goals. If he’s 5’7”, give him a break. If he makes $75K and you make $150K, give him a break. If he has bad taste in clothes, give him a break.
But you can’t give a man a break or compromise on his own pride, drive, or self-esteem.
This man is a child, looking for a mommy. You need a man who can stand on his own two feet.
Let him go and find a guy who has this man’s good qualities without the big financial and motivational questions. He’s out there, I promise.
Ruby says
The one word that kept coming into my mind while reading this is “needy”. I don’t think it’s only Naomi’s boyfriend who is needy though, it’s Naomi as well. She admits knowing it was too soon to live together, but she hadn’t been in a relationship for soooo long. I’m sure this man who offers unconditional love and adoration seemed like a big security blanket initially, until she realized that he isn’t very stable at all. He won’t leave because he can’t leave – and where else is he going to get such a good deal? No wonder she doesn’t trust him, but she disregarded her own intuition about him anyway.
I also find it odd that someone who is struggling financially would pick what is probably the most expensive city in the country to live in, and take on the expense of a long-distance relationship to boot.
Gem says
Let him go, Naomi. He’s not the only man you’ll ever love, and love just is NOT enough to make up for the huge things he lacks.
You already have your answer because your gut is screaming that this situation isn’t good for you. “Enabler” is a good word for you because you both have played a part in this deal, but the healthier part of you knows that ultimately this is not what you want. Listen to that part.
T says
Oh my goodness, I’m reading books on enabling right now. BINGO. This one hit the mark, Evan. I’ve been enabling my entire life. I’m happy to have an awareness now that I didn’t have before.
Goldie says
Awesome post, Evan. Thank you!
I’ve got a question, when you say:
“For all I talk about the concept of unconditional love, I’m generally assuming an underlying level of stability: decent job, happy disposition, no addictions, rap sheets, or debilitating diseases, healthy self-esteem, etc.”
Should this “underlying level of stability” also apply to the person’s family/dependents? i.e. is it reasonable of me to expect that those living with, or dependent on, the man, should also have “no addictions, rap sheets, or debilitating diseases”, decent jobs if they’re old enough, etc etc? Or would this make me a heartless bitch? Just second-guessing myself on a decision I made a while ago. It’s a done deal, but for future reference, I would like to hear your opinion, thanks.
Bren says
Naomi,
It’s hard to trust this mans judgment… or the strength of his character…. There is good reason your gut instincts are telling you…to let go and move on from this guy…
He may be trying to rebuild his life after a divorce…but who knows what that means…or where he is going to land… That’s a very uncertain place to be with someone….
Maybe this experience is teaching you some things about the qualities you truly want in a man… Someone with characteristics you enjoy in this man….but also someone who is stable and ready to give to a relationship…. Maybe you are learning about yourself, why you are attracted to this man…and what you want and do not want in a man you give your heart to….
This relationship and what you have learned… may help lead you to a healthier relationship…. You can sharpen your pencil and refine your ‘shopping list’ a bit… You might view this as a growing experience… preparing you to be able to recognize the right man when he comes along….
Best wishes to you….
E says
i was in a situation very similar to yours, Naomi. I adored my boyfriend and he adored me; was the only man who had ever loved me as I was. But he was disrespectful to my family and friends, thoughtless, immature, sans empathy, and had zero motivation to get into the adult world – that is, stake out a career. He often joked about how he would be a househusband and live off of me. I’m a writer; I don’t know exactly where he thought I was going to get a paycheck large enough for a family.
Leaving him was, bar none, the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. He was my best friend. No one had ever loved me like he did; I still wonder if anyone ever will. But despite what the movies tell you, love isn’t enough. You can love your dog to bits but he’ll make a crappy life partner… because he’s a dog. And over a year later, I have absolutely zero regrets… perhaps only that I allowed my low self esteem to convince me that finding a man who loved me as all I needed.
R.C. says
She is a convenience to him. To avoid heartache, disappointment, time wasted and resentment that is sure to follow later on, she need to cut her losses and move on plain and simple.
Steve says
I had similar thoughts about a woman I know. We live in interesting times.
She was attractive, fun to talk to and interested. When she was married she was childless, a stay at home wife and was quite happy to stay that way until her husband insisted that she at least get a part time job. She was chronically late and blamed it on an obscure neurological disorder. Eventually she got a job with an agency advocating for people with that disorder, so she was able to show up to work whenever she could get herself there. Oddly, she was able to meet me on time after I started abandoning plans with her when she was more than a half hour late. Before getting married she had a string of crummy jobs and I got the impression she never put herself ( or would put herself in the future ) into them fully. She dealt with everything through avoidance.
Imagining a future together, I saw myself becoming her servant and supporting her. I didn’t want to be responsible for another adult’s maintenance.
Bethanny says
Steve, OMG this is exactly the relationship I am letting go. Though he and I are in our fifties, I found things out this week that put the largest red flags up that I am running for the mountains. Such as at 57 he doesn’t have a valid drivers license. The only way I found that out is I asked him if I may see his license since I was going to have him do some work for my business. His answer, “Oh, I left it in my other wallet”. Then something came over me and I said is your license valid? When he answered No he hasn’t had a valid license in 7 years, I almost threw up. This man is driving around without a license with is totally illegal in all the states and he was like no big deal. My biggest mistake right now he has one of my garage door openers. Thank goodness there are 2 doors that can be locked from the garage to the house.
Also, I just found out he is being evicted for non-payment of rent and I was like, WOW really at 57 years old. Though I have been alone for awhile because I was taking care of my Dad before he passed, I still was attending graduate school.
Even though sex was fantastic, I cannot believe he is the only guy out there that can satisfy my needs.
I appreciate your post. I needed to read it and realize my life does not need to be embroiled in drama with this man. I also realize that I met him right after my Dad passed this past May and emotionally I was vulnerable. I probably had blinking lights all over me blinking, I need someone, I need someone and I will take anyone.
I realize now more than ever, I don’t and will not settle. Thank you for your post.
Steven says
This is a pretty eerie Naomi. As a guy I can empathize with this situation. Twice in my life way back when. I was in TWO very similar situations (and vowed never to do that again), doing the very same thing your boyfriend is doing with then two very serious girl friends (several years part of course). I Lost a job, wasn’t feeling good about myself, miserable financial picture that in both cases limited our abilities to go out do and have fun (trips, dinners, movies, concerts). They both took me in for a bit. In both cases I lived with them while as trying to get my feet back on the ground. For me both were hugely pleasant distractions from my own career/money issues. And that Naomi wherein lies the problem. It was never “needy” thing. I honestly was in love with both then and vice versa. But they detracted me from my own issues of career/job/money. But EXACTLY what you said, the enabling took place, too much dependency on her both monetarily and emotional. In both instances BOTH women became VERY RESENTFUL of me and my lack of effort and participation in the relationship. It tore us apart. What a naive lesson I learned that you can’t live on love alone. Everyday Life gets in the way. When you can’t afford to have fun and need sit at home each night watching DVDs, not socializing with friends because you can’t afford it (among many things), the whole “being in love” takes a backseat. Why do you think most marriages fail? Due to money of course.
It was all quite a lesson for me back then. Never would I bring in anyone into my life unless I am financially stable. Sure times are tough, you gotta account for that. But to sit and watch Oprah all day on YOUR tv in YOUR bed, that’s disgusting.
YES, you both are enabling him and distracting him from seemingly far greater issues he has. He has you to enjoy and vice versa. He should want to be a great example to his kids, too. It’s not so much how much he earns (at least a modest income) so much as long as he makes an honest effort each and says, “I did this today…”. I promise you resentment WILL creep in and eat away. You will begin to loathe him and disrespect him. He may be a great guy, I am a great guy, but I learned back then, money is the demon that drives us–like it or not. It’s life, it’s oxygen. Sometimes the best love is tough love!
What would gaul me is that he has the audacity to be commuting and attempting to live in San Fran. THE most expensive city in the US. He can’t afford to live there. He can’t afford to love anywhere, period. But he picks THE most expensive city?. He has no right doing that under his situation.Sure, we all would love to in SF. Most can’t afford it. I live L.A. myself (which is not cheap by any standards). Any job he gets there will be eaten up by super high cost of housing, gas prices, car ins. very high taxes, food, etc. Whatever income he earns short of a big salary will be eaten up by the very high cost CA living and child support. Not much left for you two. He’s living in a fantasy, delusional. Not sustainable. He should be living a in a low cost state with you like in New Mexico. Talk about being out of touch with reality. He needs to wake up! Maybe you too.
Tell him to come back when he’s gainfully employed and able to support his kids FIRST, then you two in a cheaper state/city. Not the other way around.
Good luck!
Steven
Margo says
In a situation like this, I would say it depends on what the concerned person’s needs are. If a woman is making good money herself, and can take care of herself, what does it matter what her bf/husband makes? However, if she’s looking to upgrade her lifestyle, or can’t afford the lifestyle that she has already on her own, she will want/need a man to make ok money. I think that’s the case with the OP here.
For example, say the man brought in $2k a month. Would that be enough for her? With the way she’s talking, I don’t think so. With that $2k income, he would be able to contribute $500 to rent, $500 for food, $500 for child support and $500 bills and clothes/entertainment per month. The point is, whatever he makes, if it fits his needs and the woman is self-sufficient there shouldn’t be a problem. I understand that he needs to be able to cover child support, his past due bills, and rent, but other than that, she shouldn’t care how much he makes. Again, the only way she would is if she wanted his income to benefit HER in some way (e.g. a bigger house).
The man I like currently doesn’t make much. He was in a field where he made a lot, but that was dependent upon the housing market that recently crashed. Now, he makes much less. If things were to work out between us, as long as I don’t end up having to pay his bills, he could make $1k a month and I wouldn’t care? Why? Because I will be entering a doctorate program in a few months, and starting a business in a few months. Therefore, I intend to earn enough in the near future to satsify and take care of my myself. I would need a man for his love, and support and yes, we would build a financial life together, BUT with whatever he was capable of making. I wouldn’t push him or expect him to make what I thought he should be making. The stay-at-home moms need a man that has a good job, I don’t. Yes, it’s good to have a man that’s financially secure, but for me, it isn’t a deal-breaker.
kenley says
I was in a similar situation. My boyfriend lost his job and got divorced at the same time. Both let him financially devastated. I had a good job and no children so I agreed to pay for everything and I also let him live with me for a while.
For the most part, I didn’t really mind paying for everything — except he rarely said thank you for any of the things I did for him and worse yet, he started to expect that I would do things for him. Finally, when he did get a job (one that paid significantly less than the one he lost), he never, ever offered to pay for anything. So, I did break up with him because I was starting to feel resentful and used.
However, my time with him gave me a new appreciation of the many men who routinely support women without complaint and of the many boyfriends who pay for everything and their girlfriends who show little appreciation for what they do.
What I will try to do in the future is have a relationship where there is equitable contribution rather than an equal or one-sided contribution. We both contribute based on what our finances allow.
JC says
“However, my time with him gave me a new appreciation of the many men who routinely support women without complaint and of the many boyfriends who pay for everything and their girlfriends who show little appreciation for what they do.”
Ding ding ding!!! We have a winner folks!
As a man, this is EXACTLY, almost verbatim, what I have been saying for some time. (golf clap). Too many wom that make more than us men NOW expect us to contribute at least equal or more. For thousands of years men took care of their women and children. Now at the height feminism, with more women earning more money than men, it will only lead to less finacially stable men to choose from. It’s only simple math honestly. For every woman in a managerial-type role and/or earning more money, there is one less male that is bringing in that income with said job.
Ladies, there are only so many jobs out there. You got what you wanted. Higher paying positions to support yourselves. But don’t expect the same type of high earning male to be there either. We are few and far between these days, not only due to feminism, but the poor economy as well. Bottom line, you can’t always have it both ways. Expect to see more men that are not financially stable in the future, not to mention the extremely feminist man-hating family court system. Why should a man get married? Why take the risk when she gets everything?
Men= Lose, lose, lose situation on so many levels. Also throw in *MOST* womens’ drama and attitudes? It’s a no brainer.
shasta says
Naomi,
You deserve SO MUCH more! run, run fast. Believe in yourself and come to terms with what you know you deserve in a partner. Someone that respects you and wants to give 110% just as you give in your relationships!
Lydia says
Excellent advice, Evan.
Terri says
Naomi:
I suggest you read “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie. This should be required reading for women who are enablers and will help you clarify your feelings and the dynamics of this relationship.
The sequel to this book – “Beyond Codependency” – quotes a woman who states that if she were in a room with 50 men, with 49 of them educated with good jobs and emotionally stable, and the 50th one was a convicted felon, unable to hold a job, etc. etc., she would be attracted to #50.
Enablers are most comfortable with men who have emotional broken wings.
MJ says
Because you can have all the love in the world, but if he’s an alcoholic or bipolar or chronically unemployed, you’re getting on a ship that’s got a big, fat hole in the bottom.
I’m bipolar. I didn’t choose it; there is no cure. I manage with medication and therapy but 80% stability is the best I can expect. Am I undeserving of love? I have lots to offer other than symptoms as I am NOT defined by my illness: I’m attractive, loving, giving, intelligent, funny, and compassionate.
This characterization is, frankly, a little heartless.
MJ says
“Heartless” is too strong a word. I apologize. 1. I really respect your opinion and 2. an entire population (people with mental health disabilities) is written off as worthless all the time, even by family, which pushes my buttons. That’s where I’m coming from.
Angie says
If all you seek in a mate is companionship, then companionship is all you will ever have.
It is hard to say that companionship is all you ever “need”, but maybe you don’t mind. It seems you will always support him. He will never support you. But it’s hard to love someone who you don’t respect. Look, if this man were your child, you would give him a hard kick in the ass and tell him to get motivated, right? And if this man were your child, he would be entitled to that “unconditional love” you describe.
I think it is telling that he has been unwilling to step up his game in order to provide for his children.
If companionship is ENOUGH, then engage. I think it is too hard to love someone you have diminished respect for and resent. Those aren’t emotions that go well together.
Are you bored and stifled in life as well? Listen to your ambivalence.
PS, what is his deal? He wants YOU to find a job in SAN FRAN, but he can’t find a job in the state he has been living in?
starthrower68 says
A man doesn’t need to be rich but he at least needs to be wise with what he has. It sounds as if he has not grasped that concept. It can say a lot about his character too. My ex husband came out of a 4 year university, graduating with honors, and had no job lined up. I supported us by working 2 jobs. At issue was his lack of motivation and inability to contribute. Can that stem from mental/emotional problems? It certainly can. But those need to be examined and under control before bringing a significant other into one’s life. If you can’t manage yourself, you will have a difficult time managing anything else. Sometimes we think the relationship will substitute from other areas in which we are lacking. All it does is distract us from those things that need to be dealt with.
Meg says
MJ- I don’t believe that one should be defined by a mental disorder either, but if a person is capable of managing it on their own then I don’t believe they fall into this category. It takes strength, motivation and determination to do so, the same requirements of supporting oneself and others in a relationship.
Raquel says
MJ @ 15 and 16,
You are right. People should not be written off because of mental illness. I am a psychiatrist and many of my patients do have great relationships and are of course deserving of love. It was a bad example. I agree. I wish you the best.
Evan Marc Katz says
I think you have to consider the circumstances. All things remaining equal, would you rather date a man who is employed or unemployed? Would you rather date a man with herpes or without herpes? Would you rather date a man with social anxiety or without it?
This is the calculus people use to make decisions. And all is fair in love.
It’s not that a person with bipolar disorder is irredeemably bad, but rather that most people would rather not take a chance on someone who is sometimes emotionally unstable.
Darren says
I think you need to cut the guy some slack. Going through a divorce can really shake a person up. Naomi, you can’t be the one to put his life back together, but maybe you should give him some time to do it on his own.
Terri says
I do not see anything written by Naomi that states this man has a “mental illness”.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and the man just does not want to take on responsibility so let’s not label her as “heartless” when she does not want to deal with his personal issues, whatever they are. How about cutting her some slack in her life choice!
Lara says
Sorry – this doesn’t have to do with the article specifically, but Evan, any chance that you can post more than every few days? 🙂 I can’t get enough of your articles and look forward to each one. Your advice and book has been very valuable to me. I especially enjoy reading the comments that people leave for each post, more specifically, those that the men write… it’s like being a fly on the wall in the mens’ locker room and getting a better idea of what’s going on so that I can apply it to my relationship. 😉 Keep up the great work!
BloggyDaddy says
As a father, I can’t understand why a man wouldn’t be motivated by that alone to provide support and get off his butt to find a good job. I I were a woman that alone would be a huge red flag, because if a man can’t provide for his own children, where do you think you would fall in his list of priorities. I’m not saying he would need to support you, but still, this man doesn’t seem to place a lot of importance on doing what is needed for his loved ones.
Jo says
Thank you! I ask the same question – why as a father – wouldn’t that be motivation enough?
SS says
BloggyDaddy, you summed it up perfectly and I think that’s a point a lot of the commenters missed.
It’s one thing for him to be broke and out of a job, another thing to be broke, out of a job AND bumming off a woman while refusing to support his children. It says something very negative about his character that he has no problem running away from his responsibilities, and the last thing that this man should be doing is trying to date another woman.
I also don’t get this sense of entitlement that some people have that being out of a job shouldn’t put a damper on a person’s dating life. If one needs to find work (especially if there are kids to support), entering a new relationship should be the absolute last thing on that person’s mind.
He is not owed a break from his responsibilities, and the idea that a woman should be okay with him being so broke as along as she can support herself is completely missing the mark. It’s not about how much money he’s capable of adding to Naomi’s life, it’s about his general poor character and poor decision making as a partner and as a parent.
Why would a woman want a man like that?
Lola Love says
You said a mouthful! Hit it right on the nail. I recently fell out with a guy who was just like this. Felonies, a baby mother in another state who was pregnant with twins while we started “dating”, already having two previous children with her. Was eager for me to let him move in with me, wasn’t motivated to get a job or do anything but run the streets and “trap”. Mind you when you have children you’re gonna do what you can to provide so I didn’t judge him off of that because I thought he would use that money for transportation to get a job and work clothes until his money kicked in. Nope, this dudes flip game was trash and he wasn’t doing anything to provide for his children. He was such a turn off. Found out he was cheating on me with another girl who let him move in with her and her two kids. She’s dumb, but that’s her problem now.
starthrower68 says
You nailed it, SS.
Angie says
I was thinking about this earlier, and obviously this could be either/or (I hate to be a skeptic, but there is some definite information missing)…
1) WHY is he getting divorced? Was he a leach off his ex? Did she throw him out?
2) Why haven’t you dated anyone in five years? Were you avoiding relationships? Did this man find you and insert himself into your life?
3) Doesn’t it weird you out that he clearly has NO SHAME being a leach? He lived with you and OFF you straightaway, and he lives off his friend… house, car and financial support (ok, the friend is employing him, but that is a favor). If I was going through tough times, I would consider staying with a friend, but I would sure as hell be doing double-time cooking, cleaning, treating the friend, and writing an I.O.U.
4) When was the last time this man had a regular job? What does the divorce have to do with him being unemployed?
Naomi, I think you should consider whether or not this man genuinely loves YOU or loves the lifestyle improvements and stability you are bringing into his life. There are definitely charming men out there. I am very good friends with a man who admittedly uses looks and charm for free housing (he’s spent extended periods of time living with both women he was seeing and friends), free vacations, and other things.
If you want to continue with this, I would honestly suggest taking it down a step and doing things you can split the cost of, and ask him to pay bills for the week he stays with you since he is working. Hopefully, this will clear up any trust issues you have with whether he is there for you or there for the free ride.
Lance says
EMK is absolutely right, there are all kinds of problems with this guy. For one, he’s not a man if he can’t support himself and doesn’t have the inclination to get his sh*t together. Two, there’s a huge attraction problem that Naomi is hinting at…shelikes the adoration, but the chemistry is faltering because he isn’t solid. Lastly, she needs to toughen up and believe that she’s worth more and can find a better partner.
Nicole says
I’m shocked that at 56 this guy’s life is such a mess. So you have a man who SHOULD be within 10 years of retirement who barely has a job and can’t pay child support. There is no way he’ll be able to save enough to cover himself through retirement. Do you have enough to pay for two people for another 20-30 years?
It’s one thing not to be a golddigger. It’s another thing entirely to be a sucker who is taking on a second person who honestly cannot support himself.
It’s so odd. He has minor children and an unstable job situation…that would be acceptable if he was a young man who had decades to get it together. But he doesn’t. And that is VERY troubling.
If you stay with him, you will be supporting him. That much is clear.
Jo says
Hmmmm…..he sounds like the kind of guy who has a profile on match.com
Margo says
Just to be clear on my position on this situation: When I posted, I was speaking of a man that has good character, is repsonsible and just doen’t make much money. No, the OP shouldn’t be allowing a man to live off of her, and he most certainly does need to pay child support. If he doesn’t have a job to pay for food, and his own bills, yes, he needs to leave.
southrnphoenix says
My personal experience was screaming “Run! Run! Run!” And maybe that’s not really fair. But Naomi, do yourself a favor. If you really like this guy, back way up. If he is not a loser that regularly lets other people pay his way through life, then as a couple of the guys have said before, his focus needs to be on getting back on his feet, not falling in love. Backing up also gives you a little clarity to determine if this is a pattern for him and avoid it if he’s just looking for someone to take care of him. Trust me, you don’t want your children to have a father that would rather disappear completely from their lives than have to help support them.
Becki says
Wow… I could have written this story… only I was engaged to this guy for 6 months before I really saw the issues. Unstable employment, moving in with me because a new job was much closer to my house than where he was renting… and then the comments when I was putting together a prenup both because I have children who I would like to protect and while not planning on a divorce, I’ve already been divorced once… and so has he… it just gives me peace of mind. That’s when I discovered some interesting facts. I knew he didn’t marry for the first time until the age of 42 and that he was divorced within 4 years… had adopted a child of his first wife… but I didn’t know that he didn’t pay regular child support, which was less than $200/month. And … I did not know that he had not put one dime away for retirement. Really??? At the age of 53… what was his plan????
Well Naomi… he treated me well… loved me completely… everything about me… he liked. I just don’t know whether that was before or after he discovered I could fund his retirement … let this guy go. If they are so attached that you have no worries about ever losing them… if you could literally be not nice to them… it’s not you they love… it’s your financial support. They haven’t been able to find financial security themselves, they’ve found it from those around them. And honestly… after I started saying out loud some of these issues to friends and family… I realized letting this relationship go would be a relief… and the right thing to do. I have no regrets… neither will you…
MH says
I dated someone for close to five years who switched careers three times (once when I was dating him). At first, I was supportive but I found that he seemed to quit/get frustrated easily when faced with challenges. He lived with his folks (like I did) but didn’t seem to pay rent to them (but I did to mine). His mother graciously would treat us to meals when we went out or gave him a personal check when he was asked to do food shopping. It took me probably more time than needed to notice that he didn’t have the drive to make himself be able to stand on his own financially. Plus, he didn’t have any problems with telling me what I should do with my life. My only regret is not ending our relationship sooner. For the remaining 2 years, I just stayed with him because he was getting his certification for teaching and I didn’t want to distract him.
judy says
Here’s a real life example for you.
One of my friends meets a man who’s cute, incredibly passive and a bit of a Mummy’s boy. After three months, they marry. He lost his job and because his wife has a good salary, and he had low self-esteem to begin with, which absolutely plunged when he lost his job (I know both of them very well), he just didn’t bother looking.
Then one day, his wife got truly fed up and starting a bit of a revolt.
He DID find a job after a very long time, and then did his utmost to make sure he got fed up with it.
Real story. Hope you’re listening.
Jo says
If you are looking a an adult child to take care of, it sounds like this is your guy. I was married to an under functioning guy for quite a long time – and I did revolt. Tried staying with it because of the children, but just found it so totally irritating. So – Divorced after 19 years and the ex has managed to find one of those very lonely ladies who must be in a relationship – he has been unemployed for the past three years, but lucky him – he is old enough to collect social security now so he can have the US Treasury pay his child support by collecting it on behalf of my daughter who is 14. My ex’s goal is to make a little money as possible so he won’t lose his SS benefits. He doesn’t have the cash to retire, is now living off this other woman, and just recently took a job driving a school bus part time as not to make “too” much money. You may feel sorry for an under functioner, or want to help them get on their feet – but maybe they don’t want to get on their feet? Maybe they like leveraging someone else’s hard work and would rather collect entitlements. I’m just saying – there is something not so health behind this persona. My ex has two teens who live in an expensive metropolitan area and will need resources for housing and college – and he has given up because “its too hard” or “he is tired of is career”. Struggling to pay child support – just get the government to do it! I would imagine I’m not the only single working mother who has a story like this – I don’t mean to be an alpha female but gosh darn it, I have a family to support and a lot of bills to pay. 🙂
michelle says
I have been with many men with similar problem.. that they were either poor, or they can’t seem to able to support themselves. Now I am 35.. and I realized, I can’t always be a sugar ma ma for my man, there will be only few condition I would accept to supporting my partner, ..A: I am finically independent in a way that what I’m making is more than plenty enough to support both of us and maybe our children if that comes to the picture, HOWEVER, I am not gonna support a lazy ass man who does nothing and just wait around to be served. He has to also contribute to our partnership in a none finical way, such as taking care of household responsibility, and other responsibility like an equal partner if that makes any sense.. because only this way, you will not resent about you are the only one who contribute to your relationship and partnership. I personally believe in the attitude of this man also.. if you’re partner happens to be lack of ability to make money but he is very caring and capable to take care of you in a none finical way, it’s still a workable relationship. and in your heart, you will feel OK and not being used,… When that feeling of resentment start to appears is normally when you feel you are just being used… Situation B: that I think I can accept is that… if your man can’t bring the bread home.. maybe the two of you can figure some thing out to make the bread together.. also.. a form of partnership, if both love each other, but finically is a problem, when the relationship has develop certain level, things can still work if both are committed to make it work by doing little business or some work together to ease the finical problem… ANYWAY, but ultimately, it really depends on what kind of man that you are with.. and the intention in his heart.. if he is truly worth you to invest your time with him and how strong your love is for each other… I do not believe MONEY is always the only answer… but I do understand without money relationship can’t work.. so it’s very hard.. I, myself also still trying to find a balance.. : ) it’s the survival world to blame.. not a love man if he ever is… <3
Kkn says
I am exactly in same situation , Naomi . Yes, he loves me and adores me for six years. Yet, for 5 years he has got a job. He’s 43 yrs old living at his parents house. Ok, I don’t mind him living at his parents house since he said he wants to take care of his mother. All I ask of him is to get a job. I waited and waited and waited for 5 years. So I’m fed up. He’s not even loooking for a job and content with his life. I’m 34yrs old and got a good career . How am I gonna look forward to future with him acting like this. And he finally told me that if him getting a job is so important to me that I should find someone else because he’s not the one. That’s cut the tie clean. But I’m so hurt . I don’t really I ask for to much.
Kkn says
Oh correction, he didn’t have a job for 5 years out of our 6 years relationship 😞