ADVERTISEMENT

Those who venture into the dating arena know there’s a popular notion that "opposites attract". Now, matching with someone who leads a different life is definitely exciting, and your differences may complement each other at first. But with time, you'll definitely recognize the struggle of dating a person who basically lives on an alternate planet. Especially when they lead a luxurious lifestyle separated from you by a yawning wealth gap.

It's no secret that the enviable wealth of the super-rich makes them seem worlds away from the lives we lead. And it’s easy to think that finding someone well-off is a cure-all for all your troubles. But that’s not always the case.

So what does it mean if you’re dating someone wealthy and you’re well, poor? There’s one viral 'Ask Reddit' thread that may just give us the answer. After Redditor zipzap21 reached out to the community and invited them to share what they’ve learned from the experience, people were eager to offer us mere mortals a peek into what goes on behind the scenes. Below, we gathered some of the most illuminating responses they shared, so continue scrolling! Be sure to upvote the most surprising ones and share your own experiences with us in the comments.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned My ex-wife had a grandfather that was a multi-millionaire. Christmas time at their house was like being in another world.

All of the different family members would try to get a moment with the King and kissed a*s as much as possible.

I spent my time down on the ground playing with my kids and was happy to get out of there.

About a week or two after the second Christmas I got a phone call from Grandpa. He wanted to know what he could do for my family.

I told him I didn't want any of his money but I would like my kids to know their great grandfather.

Later that year he showed up at our place unexpected and spent most of the afternoon telling stories with me about his youth.

He set up a trust fund for each one of my kids to have their college paid for a little bit after that.

He told me out of all of his in-laws I was the only one that never asked him for anything but to be himself.

pbjking , Tim Kilby Report

Final score:
362points
Add photo comments
POST
sinaduehrsen avatar
Rosy Maple Moth
Rosy Maple Moth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That makes me wanna cry just a little bit. Must be hard to be that rich and be loved only for your money.

Vote comment up
130
130points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#2

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Mine’s a bit on the positive side I guess.
I grew up dirt poor and I guess got to a point where I couldn’t dream big. My family is still poor.

I dated a guy who not only was a trust fund baby but he also had a job as chief engineer and was making over $250k a year from that job. He didn’t need the money. I was making $70k.

He’d organise spontaneous holidays overseas and fun weekend activities that cost money. Told me to leave my card at home. Then in the short time we dated, he coached me into how to get a better paying job. Helped me learn and understand my worth and the value of my education and experience.

While dating him I quit my $70k job and landed a $100k one, then broke into the $200k a few years later.

Now I have money and can take my parents and siblings on holiday as well as put my siblings through university and help them out.

Newdiotnot , Nad Hemnan Report

Final score:
233points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

There’s an abundance of stereotypes about the ultra-rich being mean, condescending, selfish, and so out of touch that they seem to evolve into a completely different species from everyone else. But if we can agree on one thing, it's always fascinating to get a peek into the way they live.

Guessing from responses to the viral thread, people who get into relationships with the wealthy, their enormous fortunes, incredible extravagance, and lavish lifestyles, often learn a lot about what goes on behind the curtain. And as it turns out, coupling with someone who doesn’t have to worry about their next paycheck sheds light on a very different mindset that can manifest in a variety of ways.

To gain more insight into what it actually means to see someone moneyed when you’re not financially stable from an expert, Bored Panda reached out to Anna Eden, a dating and intimacy coach aiming to help career-focused people who’ve "made it" in life to make it in love so they can feel 100% fulfilled.
#3

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned I learned just how productive having money can be. Something needs to be fixed/ replaced? We can afford to. Want to do something fun or adventurous? Sure let's do it now. Want to eat healthier? We can afford all the ingredients.

Like what do you mean your life isn't slowed down by a million different things that need fixing/ upgrading/ replacing/ saved for?

capricious_achelois , Davey Gravy Report

Final score:
141points
Add photo comments
POST
brockenblue avatar
Brocken Blue
Brocken Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This right here is why the old saying is “money doesn’t buy happiness” is kinda bullsh*t. Sure it can’t buy your soul a one-way ticket to personal fulfillment but it sure helps repair all the petty little annoyances of everyday life

Vote comment up
99
99points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#4

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned I only went on one date with him. He booked out the entire bowling alley so we'd have privacy for our date. It just seemed so shockingly wasteful to me, and it was bizarre to have a 20-lane bowling alley just to the two of us plus a fair sized staff who were left with nothing to do but look after us. I learned I'm very uncomfortable with that level of casual assumption that the world will rearrange itself to suit my whims.

Also he had absolutely no respect for personal space. I don't think he was used to women not liking to be touched by folks they barely knew.

MerylSquirrel , Jorik Kleen Report

Final score:
133points
Add photo comments
POST
jayhay4posh avatar
GoGoPDX
GoGoPDX
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree 100% with OP. I would have been way, way more impressed if he paid for all the people who would have been there to bowl along with some snacks and drinks for everyone instead of renting the whole building for 2 people.

Vote comment up
64
64points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu

According to Eden, there are certain opportunities and obstacles to dating the wealthy. "If you’re dealing with a person who’s rich and also generous as a giver and provider of energy, I’d say it can be fun and exciting to be treated to nice restaurants and trips without worrying about money. Who doesn’t like to be swept away like that?" the coach asked.

ADVERTISEMENT

But having said that, Eden also noted that just because someone is loaded doesn’t mean they’re a match for you: "Compatibility is so much more than money of course."
#5

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned How much easier it is to make money when you already have money.

RunningRunnerRun , bruce mars Report

Final score:
129points
Add photo comments
POST
ryanwinters avatar
Ryan Winters
Ryan Winters
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As much as they talk about credit score that only applies to the not rich. Once you have enough money you can take out all the loans you want and the banks have no problem giving you a bigger loan to pay off the previous one because they know your rich and you have abundant collateral. I heard it described as buy borrow die.

Vote comment up
34
34points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned My wife's family has no concept of what a workday is.

chumabuma , Bingnan Li Report

Final score:
116points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned You’ll miss the lake house more than them.

ch1kita , Danny Giebe Report

Final score:
114points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu

When it comes to the disadvantages some daters inevitably notice in the relationship, some of the most common ones are dependency and a feeling of inequality. "It’s important to talk openly about money in a relationship," Eden explained. "It’s one of the top reasons couples split, due to different views on money."

ADVERTISEMENT

A survey of more than 1,000 people by The Cashlorette found that nearly half of married or partnered Americans (48%) reported arguing with each other over money. Whether it’s disagreements about splitting the bills, spending habits, or financial priorities in life, fights like these ones can leave a dent in the relationship.

In fact, it can even lead to divorce. A 2019 study done by researchers at the University of Denver found that financial problems were one of the most often cited reasons for split-up at the individual level. Although some participants noted financial troubles were "not the most pertinent reason for their divorce, but instead contributed to increased stress and tension within the relationship."
#8

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned I dated two dudes with trust funds.

I learned no amount of money can make you forget your mommy/daddy issues.

Good_nuff , Mike Renlund Report

Final score:
105points
Add photo comments
POST
emory_ce avatar
Carol Emory
Carol Emory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One thing I've learned from dealing with rich people is, you may have money, but your life is not your own. You really do not have the freedom to do as you please. You will go to the college you're told to go to. You will be named the same as every relative before you. You cannot socialize with certain people. You can't trust anyone. You are expected to hold on to the family businesses, traditions, expectations, etc. No deviation is acceptable. No wonder you hear stories of trust fund babies flipping out. I would too if every minute of my life was laid out for me without me having any say so in it.

Vote comment up
34
34points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Dated a man who didn't work - lived off of a TrustFund. Oddly, since he could afford nearly anything - nothing had any value. He'd buy a $400 KitchenAid mixer - and burn it up making Christmas candy the first week. If he decided to make more candy - he'd just go buy another $400 mixer. Nothing meant particularly ANYTHING to him.

BlitheringEediot , Tim Samuel Report

Final score:
100points
Add photo comments
POST
brockenblue avatar
Brocken Blue
Brocken Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And here I am recycling the twist-tie bag closers i get for free…

Vote comment up
101
101points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#10

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned If you have a lot of money, people give you so much free stuff all the time trying to earn your business or procure donations. Ironic that the people who can best afford to pay for the items get comped the most!

redbradbury , Chalo Garcia Report

Final score:
94points
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is one of the (many) reasons why wealth often inhibits empathy: if everyone bends over backwards to suit your every whim, you start to assume that's simply the way the world works and other people are simply whining or being deliberately difficult if they point out that life is more difficult for others.

Vote comment up
46
46points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu

Having conflicting ideas about money can be detrimental to couples, and it can even affect their well-being. Eden explained that the person with poor finances could even feel they have to compensate by giving back in other ways. "If it’s a woman and her masculine energy and sense of safety is not balanced within herself, and on top of that she has unresolved 'daddy issues,' there could potentially be an endless hole to fill and a lot of pressure of not feeling enough in that dynamic."

"It’s an art to give and receive gracefully," Eden added. "Which this kind of dating situation can teach us about."
#11

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned How real the 'network' or 'bubble' of it is.

It's like the other side from the 'it's expensive being poor' concept. It's this weird internal community of people with money, and thus power, who are willing to make things happen as long as you're 'in'. I mean, I would meet people at a fundraiser or something and five minutes later, they're happy to make a call that will get me a job at some huge firm. Or like, my then-boyfriend would say let's go this concert. Tickets are $180 but it's okay but a friend's parents have a box, so we'll just join them. Or even one time the dishwasher in our flat broke - but we didn't have to pay a dime for repairs, because his friend from high school's parents own the building, so they're fixing it for free as a favour.

PhiloPhocion , fauxels Report

Final score:
88points
Add photo comments
POST
seansean avatar
Sean Sean
Sean Sean
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately "networking" isn't something a lot of people are good at.

Vote comment up
26
26points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Grew up poor (now middle class) and at 18 dated a superrich guy. First thing I noticed was the food. Not just quantities but I also discovered so much food (like oyster, fresh fish, olives,..) things my parents could never buy.

I also had to learn etiquette. My parents brought me up well, I read books all the time, was a decent student and well-behaved kid.. but the way his family interacted was SO different. I had to learn a lot of unwritten rules that I wasn’t aware of.

I think in the end what I actually learned was that even though my childhood was rough (the amount of stress of not having enough money has probably impacted me for life), I valued my parents so much more. Once I had seen what life was like for rich people, I was just so proud of my family for making it work with so much less.

Friendly-Sea1979 , Nadin Sh Report

Final score:
87points
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My school had monthly 'etiquette' dinners you could go to at no extra charge. You had to wear professional business clothing, there were fancy place settings and cloth napkins, dining hall staff pretended to be waiters and served food, and there was a lecturer for part of the meal explaining some aspect of behaviour that was expected in the workplace. Students practiced which fork to use and keeping their elbows off the table while listening to something like when it's appropriate to send thank-you notes to colleagues or how to present your business card. All sorts of unwritten rules that those in power never seem to notice until someone unknowingly breaks one.

Vote comment up
39
39points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned That we're hardly even playing the same game, nevermind by the same rules.

I dated a girl from old money, generational inherited wealth. Grandpa's money, some corporate bigwig banker or something to that effect. I don't think her father ever worked a day in his life, and her mother clearly came from money as well. Outside of her, I found every one of her family members out of touch and completely unrelatable. I got real good at biting my tongue when my ex's siblings would complain about not getting a new car for their birthday when last year's model is sitting in the driveway. They had no concept of the value of money and never had to do anything for themselves to get what they wanted. I wasn't exactly poor growing up, but for the most part if it wasn't strictly necessary for survival I didn't have it. It was really eye opening how everything was taken for granted. Those specific people would be helpless in the real world if they lost all their dough.

Blundell1992 , Niklas Bischop Report

Final score:
77points
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's been a lot of research into how wealth inhibits people's capacity for empathy and compassion.

Vote comment up
42
42points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Dating someone well-off can feel daunting, especially when you’re barely afloat yourself. But Eden noted that even when it seems you two live in separate worlds, it doesn’t necessarily mean you lead completely different lifestyles.

However, when there’s an actual gap between your attitudes toward life, she suggested looking at the bright side instead of zooming in on the differences. "It can be interesting to visit each other’s worlds from a curious perspective."

"Let’s not forget that we are all abundant, and it’s not money that makes us abundant but our mindset and the energy we choose to live in," Eden noted. "Money for sure gives you more freedom but being poor teaches you to be humble, grateful and I believe there can be a beneficial exchange of wisdom in that kind of relationship."
#14

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Just made me realise how expensive being poor is. They never have debt, never need to look at their balance too see if they can buy food, never pay interest on overdue bills etc.

Possible-Magazine917 , Towfiqu barbhuiya Report

Final score:
74points
Add photo comments
POST
ryanwinters avatar
Ryan Winters
Ryan Winters
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's plenty of data it costs more to be poor. You can't afford memberships to bulk stores. You can't afford to stock up on something on sale.

Vote comment up
31
31points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned How much their rich parents resent/think you're not worthy of their precious angel.

Overheard my ex's mum telling her that she wouldn't be happy with me and that I wouldn't be able to provide the kind of lifestyle that she wants (my ex was into horses that cost upwards of 100k). My ex sort of fought my corner a bit, to which her mum replied, "you need to marry someone rich." When my ex asked what if she doesn't find someone rich that she loves/is attracted to, her mum told her that she can always have a f**k buddy on the side.

Suffice to say that that relationship didn't last. She's now married to a millionaire that cheats on her constantly. Their marriage is a toxic shitshow. You reap what you sow I guess.

A_Furious_Badger Report

Final score:
72points
Add photo comments
POST
rahb1_1 avatar
rahb1
rahb1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rather have someone who really loves me, but maybe I am naive.

Vote comment up
45
45points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned My ex was having problems with roommates at university. Her parents bought a $300000 condo for her to stay at while she finished her degree (2 years). They sold it for a profit immediately after. I can't imagine not only being able to solve my problems with money, let alone make more off of them. She also assumed her family was lower middle class because she didn't live in a mansion like her friends. She was very humble and was smart with her money, but it was very clear she could just call her parents if something didn't work out. Meanwhile my parents were struggling to pay rent, meaning I was their fallback. Not the other way around

MakeRobAPirate , Paul Szewczyk Report

Final score:
69points
Add photo comments
POST
brockenblue avatar
Brocken Blue
Brocken Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Failing upwards is an easier thing when you start at the top of the ladder and you have some helping hands…

Vote comment up
23
23points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu

However, alignment is also important whenever we reach the dating phase. "Be clear with yourself if financial wealth is important to you and stop ending up in a poor-rich relationship if that’s not what you’re calling in," the coach suggested.

Eden also pointed out that the same goes for any other quality. "For example, when I was younger, I had a phase when I unconsciously was calling in poor working-class guys or students into my field to realize it’s not what I’m looking for right now, and got conscious about the mechanism that upheld this pattern. Now I’m calling in men who've got [everything] together and who have drive and ambition."

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned He didn’t have any concept of saving money, it was always just there because his money was always earning money. Having money was an income stream of itself. Also he had no concept of how much anything cost. Was going to get some groceries for dinner and he gave me $300 to pick up some basics.

problematicsquirrel , CafeCredit.com Report

Final score:
67points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned I have been both really poor (chapter 7 bankrupt) and then pretty well off years later. I never thought of myself as rich until we replaced the roof on our house because it was time to. No insurance claim, no hail damage, just it was time. We had that “remember when we lost our home in a foreclosure sheriffs sale? Now we just replace a roof cause we should”.
What I’ve learned is that you make up new ways to stress about financial stuff but it’s all extra discretionary spending issues. New cars, new flooring, redone bathrooms, nice restaurants, kids colleges etc. Lifestyle issues, not life issues. The ability to just handle the necessities is such a massive relief to any family and should be really humbling to any of us fortunate enough to live that way.

NewOldSmartDum , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:
65points
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this phrase, "Lifestyle issues, not life issues." It explains the different mindsets of financial stress pretty well.

Vote comment up
34
34points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#19

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned I've thought about this a lot as someone who grew up poor, but has been in a number of relationships with women from upper or upper middle class castes. I think what it boils down to is that they have a kind of certainty in the idea that things will work out for them that I don't. Growing up, it felt like we were always at the precipice of catastrophe. I always felt that one wrong move would result in us losing our house or all of our money. As such, I kept immaculate care of things that I bought knowing that I could not replace any of it if it were gone. The women I've been in relationships with, though, seem to have none of this fear. They always assume that things will work out. Plans don't need to be made because there's always some way to solve a problem with money. Objects don't get much respect because they're always readily replaceable. I always think about Nick Carraway's quote from *The Great Gatsby*: "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy--they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."

captain_flak Report

Final score:
63points
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Life has no real consequences if you can buy your way out of them. Pay fines to avoid jail time, have expensive medical procedures or therapies if you get hurt, make donations to schools or foundations to ensure acceptance even if performance isn't great, buy companies so you never have to worry about being fired. And if you screw up your personal relationships beyond saving, well, there's always retail therapy to cope with the pain.

Vote comment up
13
13points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

To all of you mortals finding yourself in the world of the super-rich, unsure of how to make your relationship work, Eden advised: "Talk! Communication is always key. Many of us have a dysfunctional relationship with money because we grew up hearing 'money doesn’t grow in trees' for example, so we get to look at our beliefs and be open with everything."

"It’s also an excellent opportunity to practice polarity and really step into masculine vs feminine poles of giving and receiving, if that’s something you want to explore," Eden said, adding this doesn’t have to be gender-based. "I think sometimes strong independent feminist women have a lot to learn from being taken out and taken care of (if that’s the nature of the rich person)."

"And once again, I think it’s important also to remember that being rich doesn’t mean a person is more valuable as a human so we don’t get into a power imbalance in the relationship where. We are all whole, complete, and 100 % worthy as we are, always," Eden concluded.
#20

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Dated a girl for 3 years who came from old money.

She was fine but her family was beyond out of touch with the real world. They were nice people but incredibly removed from the rest of the world. They looked at me like I was zoo animal in the sense that they were so curious about my life/family. They'd ask me what it was like going to public school. How my parents immigrated. They were baffled that not everyone had vacation homes or traveled a lot.

The most interesting thing is that old money is much more powerful than new money. They belonged to these "clubs" that consists of other rich families and the influence they had was mind-blowing. Want to build a factory in an area not zoned for it? Within a week that was changed.

edwadokun , Cristina Anne Costello Report

Final score:
63points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#21

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Some of them are pretty down to earth. I dated a woman who was the daughter of a near-billionaire. I had no idea for a while. I took her to a museum with a $35 ticket price and for pizza on our first date and she thought that was too extravagant. Admittedly, it’s more than I normally plan for a first date but I was super into her and she mentioned really liking an the artist behind the museum.

She did live in a ridiculously expensive condo and not work but she had a chronic illness that made school and work very difficult for her. It was certainly a lesson on how differently disability affects people with and without money.

Her illness was actually a mystery. Doctors couldn’t diagnose it. So she tried to get an appointment at the Mayo Clinic. They said there was a six month wait. Her father called them and mentioned how his company handled their pension plan. She flew there a few days later and was quickly diagnosed.

Her parents’ home was huge and filled with original and custom artworks, including from the artist whose museum we visited. It was really weird walking into that level of excessive wealth.

Edit: not going to specify the illness. She’s not exactly identifiable from it but it feels wrong.

Brainsonastick , Darya Sannikova Report

Final score:
58points
Add photo comments
POST
rahb1_1 avatar
rahb1
rahb1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Regardless of the wealth, I hope she was able to be treated. IMHO, nobody deserves to be saddled with a disability.

Vote comment up
33
33points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#22

Money can't buy happiness, but it sure as f**k can help keep the stress at bay (which makes being happier easier)

TheVoicesOfBrian Report

Final score:
58points
Add photo comments
POST
rahb1_1 avatar
rahb1
rahb1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Money cannot buy you happiness, but it sure can buy a better class of misery.

Vote comment up
17
17points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Coming from the opposite side: I’m “rich” and I dated a poor guy and I felt very humbled. At first, I couldn’t understand why he couldn’t just go on vacation with me on a whim. I couldn’t understand that the reason why I would always have to drive the 4 hours there and 4 hours back to see him was because he couldn’t afford that much gas. I couldn’t understand why grocery shopping with him was sometimes at the dollar store while I shopped at Whole Foods. I couldn’t understand not being able to just ask your parents for money. He once told me that I was a product of my environment and it was very eye opening. Terrible relationship but I learned a lot about myself and the world

eggheadslut Report

Final score:
54points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned They don't really have a concept of how rich they are. My ex boyfriend was WEALTHY, but had a complex about how he was super poor. It was because all of his friends were also so wealthy, and he was maybe marginally less rich than some of them, he considered himself on the lower end of the scale. They don't really have a point of reference for how poor some people are. When we were together I was living on a food budget of £50 a month, and he absolutely could not wrap his head around how a person could spend that little.

I lived with a horrendously rich friend, his family are aristocracy in his home country. One thing I've noticed about him is that he's completely incapable of grasping that if I stop working, I just stop being able to eat. He was confused about why I was worried about taking a week off work, and didn't understand I was worried I'd lose money. He seemed to think that most people work because they choose to, because he's never *had* to work.

lavenderacid , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

Final score:
53points
Add photo comments
POST
thomasewing avatar
Thomas Ewing
Thomas Ewing
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And employers like people that "have" to work because they perform better and don't take lots of time off. I never "kiss butt" and bosses don't like that.

Vote comment up
2
2points
Vote comment down
reply
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Dated this wealthy girl who instantly had an anxiety attack when I told her I was thinking about buying my own car, she believed I'd break up with her because I won't need her car anymore. Make your own conclusions.

Weird_Potato_9226 , Cleyton Ewerton Report

Final score:
51points
Add photo comments
POST
ppepworth avatar
Peppy
Peppy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s actually really sad , she must have been so used to people using her

Vote comment up
60
60points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Spent first 8 years of my adult life with a woman whose parents had money.

She had no conception of how hard life could be if you couldn’t just sell stocks to buy a new car, or have someone give you a couple thousand to put you up in a new place.

She pocketed her paycheck every two weeks. When we went out, I paid for gas. I bought dinner. Didn’t think much about it at the time because we were engaged.

When we broke up, she had $30k in her savings account and I was broke.

Growing up with money is like hitting every green light and not having to worry about traffic jams.

And it really f***s with your ability to empathize with people.

ethnicbonsai , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:
50points
Add photo comments
POST
madamecorcoran avatar
harpling
harpling
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some scientists think the lack of empathy that comes from wealth is as extreme as people with severe sociopathy. Poorer people have 'greater levels of cultural interdependence' and see people around them as actual human beings with their own perspectives and goals. Wealthy people just see others as means to an end. https://www.alternet.org/2020/09/scientists-explain-why-the-wealthy-struggle-with-empathy/

Vote comment up
18
18points
Vote comment down
reply
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Rich doesn't cure alcoholism

questfor17 Report

Final score:
48points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

I'm a guy who has dated women considerably wealthier than myself. My experience is that money becomes a factor sooner or later, no matter how closely you've connected on every other level. Even when the lady in question seems cool with it, there can be arch looks and withering comments from friends and family in social settings - about what you've just ordered for dinner, or what your holiday plans are. In those relationships I've ended up being made to feel like a "bottleneck" - I'm either the person who the woman spends money on more than vice versa, or the person whose income puts more restraint on evenly-shared expenditure than would otherwise be the case.

In either scenario, there's pressure, and even if the woman seems fine with it, there are people around her who no doubt would claim they're "just looking out for her" who will cheerfully flag every instance where the difference in income is apparent. Money doesn't **have** to warp people, but it seems it often does, whether it's actually their own money or not.

MagicSPA Report

Final score:
46points
Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned They live in a mindset that someone else will take care of it. My ex's family had money. He did not. Told him that one month there was no money for food in my budget and he'd have to hand some over for it. He told me he had none and I'd have to fix the problem. Then he went on to describe for me in detail a toy he was saving money for. Asked him how much the toy would cost. He had $200 set aside to buy this toy that wasn't going to launch for more than 3 months. But he wouldn't touch it for food. I literally could not get it through to his head that there was no money for food, and no food NOW. It did not compute at all. Had him take me to local food banks. He did not come in. He went shopping while I was filling out paperwork for food. Came out of the food bank to find he'd dropped $80 on a book. "That money was from what I had set aside to buy new books."

ginger1rootz1 , furkanfdemir Report

Final score:
43points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#30

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Well, I wasn't that poor, and she wasn't that rich, but it was enough of a difference that I was shocked at how often she just took planes. Like, she flew more in a summer than I had my whole life.

That and apparently they go to Hawaii for a week every year, which was fun the time I got to tag along, but it's pretty wild to me that they can just do that. Even if I could afford it, I don't have enough vacation time to do that every year.

Aperture_T , RODNAE Productions Report

Final score:
40points
Add photo comments
POST
sinaduehrsen avatar
Rosy Maple Moth
Rosy Maple Moth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d be worried about what this does to the environment. You can be rich AND travel eco-friendly!

Vote comment up
12
12points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned My ex's *father* was rich. My ex himself was not rich, did not understand the value of money, and was a spoiled a*****e who got a great job at a great company full of awesome people and then proceeded to steal from them. He would b***h at me for buying food for the apartment and then come home with $200 worth of stupid s**t he got talked into buying at the mall. When his windshield got cracked he bought a new car. He was the single most incompetent and entitled person I've ever known, but he firmly believed he was the smartest person in any room he entered. None of his friends talk to him anymore because he either stole from or alienated all of them.

ManyConclusion , Max Fischer Report

Final score:
40points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#32

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Wife's family comes from money and I come from broke AF. There's probably a new "that's weird, why would you do that?" every week. This will appear for things like forgetting hamburger buns and giveing the kids a burger on Wonder bread or whipping up a batch of spaghetti noodles to go with chili.

Sleestak714 , Ethan Sykes Report

Final score:
39points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned The difference between having money and having wealth.

You grew up poor and worked hard and finally got $10,000 in the bank and your income keeps you afloat? Cool. But that is nothing compared to a 50 acre family farm with a couple houses on it, several generations of inheritance that will fall in your lap someday. Family business or family connections to lucrative opportunities. Savings, investments, cash hidden in safes, piles of gold jewelry.

If they suddenly lost all their checking and savings accounts, they’d still be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and wouldn’t have to worry even for a second where their next meal would come from.

Edit: also, owning cars you don’t even need or ever drive. Hoards of stuff sitting around cause you never had to move or sell stuff to buy food. Lines of credit being thrown at you.

Listening_Heads , Anastase Marago Report

Final score:
38points
Add photo comments
POST
View More Replies... View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#34

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned His parents had money, not him, because we were teens at the time. Even though his dad tried getting him to work to earn his money and not just give handouts it was still a very different mindset of he wanted a luxury lifestyle but wouldn’t go to work more than a couple days a week, dropped out of college with less than a semester - just couldn’t stick to things if it was too long delayed gratification. Meanwhile I was working 2 jobs and had a full courseload. My parents helped and I lived with them but we still scraped by and I had to pay for my own things.

I learned I was satisfied with a lot ‘less’ material things, I was better ready to be on my own than he was, and I had a higher work ethic / more realistic view of the world.

frozenwitchh , Clay Banks Report

Final score:
34points
Add photo comments
POST
#35

35 People Who Dated Rich Share The Most Surprising Things They Learned Quality really does make a difference in everything from clothing to ingredients.

LatterTowel9403 , Garreth Paul Report

Final score:
34points
Add photo comments
POST
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 71 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!