JEALOUS OF HIGH-FLYING GIRLFRIEND

Dear Coleen

My girlfriend of four years has carved out a really successful career and I’m very proud of her.

However, I’m totally lagging behind in that department after changing direction and starting again at something new.

Consequently, I’m earning half of what she earns and my life is pretty mundane compared to her highflying lifestyle of foreign travel and glamorous events.

It’s started to bug me that she may find me uninteresting and get bored of me, not to mention the fact that I can’t compete financially and can’t contribute as much when it comes to buying things for the house or paying for a holiday.

I should say she’s done nothing to make me feel like this and has been supportive. Any advice?

Coleen says

Look, most couples go through times in their relationship where one is more successful and earning more than the other.

I understand that it can affect your pride, but it shouldn’t. Your girlfriend is obviously a smart woman and she knows it’s going to take you a bit of time to climb the ladder because you’re starting from scratch again.

She wants you to be happy and feel fulfilled in your career. If you love each other and it’s a genuine partnership, then she’ll be happy to take more of the financial strain for a while.

Plus, you are contributing financially and in every other way to the relationship – you just can’t afford to be as free with your cash.

I think this is more to do with how you’re feeling than what your girlfriend thinks. I’m sure once you find your feet in your new career, it will build your confidence.