If he had told
her before the reservation that he wanted them to split an expensive Valentine’s meal, she could have made an informed decision. She might have agreed immediately. She might have suggested a less expensive restaurant. She might have said that $190 was more than she wanted to spend on dinner.
Instead, every option disappeared once the meal was finished.
Her boyfriend became noticeably disappointed when she refused.
The atmosphere that had felt romantic only minutes earlier suddenly became tense. He questioned why she was unwilling to contribute and suggested that couples planning a future together should be able to share financial responsibilities.
She did not disagree with the general principle.
Marriage absolutely involves shared financial responsibility.
Housing costs money.
Utilities cost money.
Groceries, transportation, healthcare, insurance, children, emergencies, vacations, debt, and retirement all require couples to make financial decisions together.
But she also understood that sharing responsibility means discussing decisions before
