A dating coach advises against asking personal questions on a first date.
Kelsey Wonderlin, a dating coach for three years, has discovered that most of the 200 individuals she has advised are concerned about their potential mate's earnings.
"Many of my clients, who are often women in finance, express the desire for someone who can match their fast-paced lifestyle," she states.
Discussing values or strongly held beliefs early on is smart, according to Wonderlin.
It is not appropriate to ask about a person's income on a first date to determine if you share the same financial values.
Wonderlin states that asking a socially unacceptable question on a first date would not be appropriate.
It is not just the salary that causes friction in relationships, but often the choices made around finances.
"According to Wonderlin, the belief that achieving a specific income level will automatically result in success is an unrealistic perspective. He argues that while having a large income disparity can present challenges, an equally significant challenge would be the difference in values between how individuals spend and save their money."
'What do you like to spend your money on?'
Can you tell me about your financial habits?
Suggest asking: "What are your favorite ways to spend money?"
Someone who enjoys traveling may have different priorities than someone who prefers to spend money on the latest Apple product. Similarly, a person who mentions they're working towards purchasing a house likely has a different set of objectives.
If someone doesn't have a straightforward answer, that also indicates a specific mindset.
"If they don't speak much, it's like wondering if they're thinking the same way as me," says Wonderlin.
'A nonnegotiable for me is ... '
Dating someone with similar saving or spending tendencies is important to me because it helps us to better understand each other's financial goals and priorities.
"I believe financial stability is a non-negotiable for me," Wonderlin states. When it comes to handling my money, I prefer to have a clear budget and stick to it. I also like to save a portion of my income for unexpected expenses and invest in my long-term financial goals.
The right individual will appreciate my openness, but others may find it off-putting.
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