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I grew up dirt-poor, so I should be happy that my future husband has money, but I'm mad at him instead!
  • Has he changed since you found out? Maybe you could talk to him abou that.

    On the one hand, the boyfriend is supposed to drive a beat up car, have an average apartment, and in no way indicate he's rich. On the other hand, he talks about fancy schools, expensive trips, and seems to casually describe a lack of privilege.

    So, I'm guessing that having finally "come out" about his wealth, he's suddenly acting differently. I would suggest this: tell him you loved him when you thought he was struggling, tell him you love everything about his personality as you have known it. But tell him also that it has been difficult dealing with his wealth and his allusions to it, and that if it's all the same to him you'd prefer that was left out of the relationship for now, as you are having trouble taking it in, considering the circumstances under which you were raised. My guess is that he will have no problem with this.

    Then start working to accept that fact that you hit the jackpot and are incredibly lucky. Not becuase you could have a Beemer if you wanted it, or a round-the-world vacation. But because you won't have to worry about starving. Won't have to worry about your health. Will be able to survive. Learn to be happy about this.

    Finally, it's not a character flaw that he discusses his upbrining casually. Two possibilities. The first is this: he's concerned about you, and doesn't want you to feel bad about not having the same breaks, and so treats it like no big deal.

    The second is this: economic realities are tricky, and they don't make sense. You can't explain to someone who had everything for the taking that they should be grateful every day of their lives for it, the same way you can't really make the average American actively, continuously thankful for not being raised under Third World conditions. When you luck into something, and when there's nothing on the horizen to threaten it, that way of life is simply the norm. It isn't exciting. It isn't marvellous. It's just what is.

    He doesn't sound spoiled. Doesn't sound dismissive of other's hardships. It's just that what would be incredible fantasy for many was an everyday reality for him. It always will be a reality for him. As many soup kitches as he might volunteer for, as little of his personal wealth as he might choose to spend, at the end of the day his life and his luxuary are his reality. And it makes sense, psycholocially, that this would be the case.

    Ease up on him, and ease up on yourself.