What to do when your boyfriend is struggling financially?

Okay, so your boyfriend’s having a rough time financially, huh? Ugh, that’s just the worst, isn’t it? It absolutely breaks your heart to see someone you care about struggling like that. I totally get it. Been there, seen that.

First things first: you have to talk to him. Like, really talk. Openly, honestly, no holding back. “Hey, I’ve noticed things are a little tough right now, and I just want to understand what’s going on.” You know? Don’t accuse, just listen. Let him explain. You’d want the same in return, right?

Now, don’t go in there thinking you’re going to magically fix everything. That’s a recipe for disaster and a whole lotta stress. Be realistic about what you can actually contribute. Can you help him look at his budget? Maybe. Offer to cook more meals at home to save on eating out? Definitely doable! But don’t, like, empty your savings account unless you’re both completely on board and it’s a carefully thought-out plan. Been there done that, it’s really hard to recover from.

The most important thing? Let him know you’re there. Seriously. Even if you can’t write a check or solve all his problems (and honestly, who can?), just being a supportive ear, a sounding board…that can make a world of difference. Brainstorm together! Sometimes just talking things through can spark some new ideas. Offer a shoulder to cry on, a distraction when he needs it… you know, the little things.

I remember when my friend, Sarah, was going through a similar thing with her boyfriend. He lost his job unexpectedly, and they were really stressed. What she did was, instead of panicking, she just focused on being his rock. Packed him lunches for his job search, helped him practice interview questions, and just generally kept his spirits up. It was amazing to see how much that helped him get back on his feet.

It’s tough, no doubt about it. But facing it together? That’s what makes a relationship strong. You got this. And remember, it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed too. Just take it one step at a time. You are a great partner for even caring this much!