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Finances in a non living together relationship

110 replies

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 13:16

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

For various reasons when we "stay in" it's mostly at my house. I like to cook. I also like to host (anyone) and always have drinks, biscuits cakes etc, that I am more tham happy to share with guests. As a child whenever anyone arrived at the house, my mother's first action would be to put the kettle on and get the cake tin out and I receive visitors in the same way. Always cook plenty for everyone etc.

However, most visitors are occasional and/or reciprocate. DP does occasionally buy a takeaway, but I doubt it matches my costs for having him here. That wouldn't bother me for any other friend, but with him I sometimes feel he should acknowledge he does very well out of the arrangement and hence, point 2.

When we go out, we either take turns or split the bill. If we're away, for example, we'll put everything on one card and settle up afterwards. He's always very quick to pay, needs no prompting but it is always exactly 50/50. However, he also has a big appetite, so he will almost always have ordered more food than me. Again, with other friends this wouldn't bother me at all, I can't be doing with paying for exactly what you had and am more than happy to split, on a swings and roundabouts basis, but this is always one-sided. I also think it wouldn't hurt if he offered to pay occasionally to acknowledge how often I "host" him. Otoh, I really don't want to "make" from him and I do want to pay my way, just for things to be right.

I'm better off than he is, but to a large extent that's due to the life choices we've made, he could earn more if he wanted to (or I could earn less if I lived like he does).

Anyway, this is alien to me, I'm a generous friend, but in most of my friendships, that's a moot point because they always pay their way too, someone who ordered an extra dessert would make sure they paid a bit extra when the bill is split etc.

So, it's bugging me, but I don't know if I'm unreasonable or not. He comes to mine mostly because I like it that way, I'd rather be here than at his and I cook because I want to, which probably saves me money despite cooking for him because he'd eat out (and I'd pay half) every day left to him. I'm not in any financial hardship and I'm always generous with guests, but he's here so frequently he doesn't feel like a guest iyswim.

Anyway, I'm not a person who keeps a close tally normally, but something about this is bugging me and I don't like that, but also not prepared to be taken advantage of. Is he?

What would you expect to happen if I tried to say I need our financial arrangements to reflect that he does very well out of spending so much time here? Should I?

OP posts:
Goldiefrocks · 02/04/2025 13:21

its clearly an issue for you because you’ve identified it. Suggest you discuss it with him before it spoils your relationship. You are subsidising him.

Antonania · 02/04/2025 13:29

I think a reasonable person in your partner's position would listen, take your point and change their behaviour.

Are you in a relationship with a reasonable person? I think it's time to ask the question and find out. Their reaction (their actual reaction - how their behaviour changes, not just what they say) will tell you stuff you need to know.

romdowa · 02/04/2025 13:31

When he's coming over I'd tell him that it's his turn to pick up the bits for dinner. Make it a 50/50 arrangement like it is with eating out.

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 13:35

romdowa · 02/04/2025 13:31

When he's coming over I'd tell him that it's his turn to pick up the bits for dinner. Make it a 50/50 arrangement like it is with eating out.

I did "joke" about this early on and he started bringing dessert, but I don't usually have dessert and I started putting on weight at a startling rate, so I asked him to stop. I also don't think bringing something he likes and I don't want is really contributing?

OP posts:
Semiramide · 02/04/2025 13:35

I agree with @Antonania . Watch his reaction - it will tell you a lot about who he really is.

If you don't, it'll continue to eat away at you and it'll likely kill the relationship anyway.

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 13:38

Semiramide · 02/04/2025 13:35

I agree with @Antonania . Watch his reaction - it will tell you a lot about who he really is.

If you don't, it'll continue to eat away at you and it'll likely kill the relationship anyway.

Yes, I agree. I think he'll be surprised to hear it because he genuinely believes he pays his way.

OP posts:
GoAwayNow7 · 02/04/2025 13:40

How often does he stay at yours?

brombatz · 02/04/2025 13:41

He's a trainee cocklodger...

Or he's ignoring your contribution is more and making sure his is exact and that's just mean.

Let him show you who he really is.

Bumpitybumper · 02/04/2025 13:45

I think you're right to pick up on this and it is a red flag. You sound like a generous and kind person and unfortunately this will attract chancers. These type of men aren't usually super blatant but the balance will always be subtly in their favour. It works because you almost feel petty addressing this and a bit mean spirited. That's how they get away with it.

I think a question to ask yourself is if you were him would you allow things to go on as they have done without seeking to make things fairer? I know I would have done in his position so the fact he isn't the one raising this with you and looking for a solution is worrying.

Eddielizzard · 02/04/2025 13:49

Bumpitybumper · 02/04/2025 13:45

I think you're right to pick up on this and it is a red flag. You sound like a generous and kind person and unfortunately this will attract chancers. These type of men aren't usually super blatant but the balance will always be subtly in their favour. It works because you almost feel petty addressing this and a bit mean spirited. That's how they get away with it.

I think a question to ask yourself is if you were him would you allow things to go on as they have done without seeking to make things fairer? I know I would have done in his position so the fact he isn't the one raising this with you and looking for a solution is worrying.

Exactly this. He sounds very ungenerous.

Gundogday · 02/04/2025 13:59

I think maybe you’ve fallen into this pattern without realising, and now the relationship is more established, you’ve realised it’s a bit one-sided.

I agree with the extra desserts and food, he should pay a bit extra. Maybe next time, just casually mention this, and take his desserts of the total, and then split the rest.

Regarding hosting, a bit more tricky. Maybe be honest and just ask him to bring and cook meals at your house. (Sorry just notice you’ve addressed this)

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 13:59

I don't know, he's very kind and generous with his time (to everyone), maybe I'm being a mug believing he just doesn't realise.

I was thinking that for the sake of clear expectations I'd suggest he pays when we go out for breakfast, which is typically once or twice a week, at his suggestion. The bill will be around £20/25, of which his share will be £12/15.

I'm not sure if that's enough to make things "fair" but more seems unreasonable...

He stays here only at weekends, although we'll usually eat out then, but he sometimes eats here during the week, and I make a lot of tea and biscuits! Actually he often makes the tea, but I bought it 🤣

OP posts:
FamBae · 02/04/2025 14:01

If you're out for dinner for example on a Saturday and the bill comes remind him that you've fed him all week.

Gundogday · 02/04/2025 14:01

Do you ever go and stay at his? If not, why not.

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 14:03

Gundogday · 02/04/2025 14:01

Do you ever go and stay at his? If not, why not.

Occasionally but mostly because I don't want to. TBF to him I wouldn't want to be living out of a suitcase m, a guest in someone else's house every weekend.

OP posts:
Radra · 02/04/2025 14:09

I think you'll get a lot of comments calling him a cocklodger but I think it's a bit more nuanced than that because it sounds like you prefer to be at yours and invite him over.

I think many people would find it awkward and unnatural to offer to pay someone for a biscuit at their house.

But equally I can understand how it doesn't feel equal

I think I would frame it as - I like to host and cook for you, you prefer to go out, how about I pay for everything at my house and you pay for the meals out?

Newnameshoos · 02/04/2025 14:17

I think you're noticing things that are small niggles but could easily cause issues if living together.
Things like ordering substantially more food or more expensive food, then expecting to go halves. Whether he realises or not, you're subsidising him.
Bringing dessert rather than a full main course with the sides. Dessert tends to be cheaper than a main course. So again he's contributing less than you are. Being at your home is your utilities too, even things like loo roll and milk!
I'm not sure I would be investing too much more here.

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 14:19

Radra · 02/04/2025 14:09

I think you'll get a lot of comments calling him a cocklodger but I think it's a bit more nuanced than that because it sounds like you prefer to be at yours and invite him over.

I think many people would find it awkward and unnatural to offer to pay someone for a biscuit at their house.

But equally I can understand how it doesn't feel equal

I think I would frame it as - I like to host and cook for you, you prefer to go out, how about I pay for everything at my house and you pay for the meals out?

I thinknif it was only the biscuits I'd be fine. It's the 50/50 split every time, when he's ordering more too.

OP posts:
Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 14:19

Newnameshoos · 02/04/2025 14:17

I think you're noticing things that are small niggles but could easily cause issues if living together.
Things like ordering substantially more food or more expensive food, then expecting to go halves. Whether he realises or not, you're subsidising him.
Bringing dessert rather than a full main course with the sides. Dessert tends to be cheaper than a main course. So again he's contributing less than you are. Being at your home is your utilities too, even things like loo roll and milk!
I'm not sure I would be investing too much more here.

We won't ever live together. I've made it very clear that not in my future, with anyone.

OP posts:
millymae · 02/04/2025 14:21

Next time you eat out I’d just say something like you’ve been staying at mine a lot recently so rather than split the bill 50:50 it would be nice if he paid for you
Giving him the benefit of the doubt he may just be one of those men that hasn’t thought about the cost to you when he stays, but equally I don’t quite see why the issue of him contributing to his stays hasn’t come up before as you must be saving him a fair bit in terms of electricity etc, never mind all the food he’s eating.
It will be interesting to watch his reaction when you ask him to pay for you, but being honest even taking into account the fact that you come from a ‘giving to guests’ background I think you’ve let him get away with too much for too long,

mrsm43s · 02/04/2025 14:24

I'll be honest, I wouldn't ask or expect any payment in these circumstances.

You basically want to charge him for coming to your house rather than his home, which you prefer (and he's not bothered)?

You split bills 50/50 - does that include his travel costs to and from your place?

Does he do stuff at yours to help you-e.g put up a shelf/clean up in your house (not just his own mess), walk the dog for you, mow the grass etc? If so, do you pay him for that?

Honestly if you're quibbling about him having an extra side or the cost of a biscuit and a cup of tea, or a portion of dinner that you're cooking anyway, then I guess you've got the ick, and it's probably time to move on.

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 14:29

mrsm43s · 02/04/2025 14:24

I'll be honest, I wouldn't ask or expect any payment in these circumstances.

You basically want to charge him for coming to your house rather than his home, which you prefer (and he's not bothered)?

You split bills 50/50 - does that include his travel costs to and from your place?

Does he do stuff at yours to help you-e.g put up a shelf/clean up in your house (not just his own mess), walk the dog for you, mow the grass etc? If so, do you pay him for that?

Honestly if you're quibbling about him having an extra side or the cost of a biscuit and a cup of tea, or a portion of dinner that you're cooking anyway, then I guess you've got the ick, and it's probably time to move on.

That will be why, as PP suggests, I've "let it go on too long". I'm really not a quibbling over extra sides kind of person, but he orders a lot extra, every time. E.g. he'll order a main course salad to go with his dinner, or at breakfast he'll order the biggest fry upon th menu plus extras.

It's not only biscuits at my house, it's drinks and dinner and ice creams and a mid afternoon sandwich.. Again, usually guests can have whatever they want/as much as I can offer them, but he has a lot, more tham my teen sons and it always one sided.

Either one of these might be OK, but bith together feels a bit much.

FWIW he's not fat, he does "need" this food, he's not just greedy.

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 02/04/2025 14:29

mrsm43s · 02/04/2025 14:24

I'll be honest, I wouldn't ask or expect any payment in these circumstances.

You basically want to charge him for coming to your house rather than his home, which you prefer (and he's not bothered)?

You split bills 50/50 - does that include his travel costs to and from your place?

Does he do stuff at yours to help you-e.g put up a shelf/clean up in your house (not just his own mess), walk the dog for you, mow the grass etc? If so, do you pay him for that?

Honestly if you're quibbling about him having an extra side or the cost of a biscuit and a cup of tea, or a portion of dinner that you're cooking anyway, then I guess you've got the ick, and it's probably time to move on.

I agree with this to be honest.

Unless he lives walking distance he is spending money to get to your home, I assume you don’t pay towards that? You don’t want to go to his house & balance things up, so the way things are is to suit you really.

I also think when you’re in a relationship and you’re at the point of asking for £1.39 for 3 hobnobs or splitting the bill exactly by what you ordered because he has an extra sausage and hashbrown, it’s over.

JohnofWessex · 02/04/2025 14:31

Whats the long term plan, living together or remaining as you are?

Coasterspec · 02/04/2025 14:31

He lives very close and I don't ask/expect him to do jobs at my house beyond putting his plate in the dishwasher.

And I don't quibble.over a couple of quid, that's why I've got to this position, it's more like £5/10 several times a week.

But as I said, I'm unsure if I'm reasonable to be bothered by it.

OP posts:
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