Is it Supporting My Boyfriend Or Sponsoring His Lifestyle?

My boyfriend and I have been together for a year and three months.

During that time he got laid off. Do you know what I mean? A man's job loss can be like that, and it really hurts. It was painful to see him trying to get used to that kind of life. And I was not going to sit aside and let him ruin himself over a job when, on the other hand, we could be waiting for a new and better one to come his way. So, I put on my girlfriend’s cap and supported him through his hardest times. I had a well-paying job, thus giving him some financial help occasionally. I had to be careful so that he would feel like a man; I didn't want his pride to be hurt at all. I gave it all with pleasure.

Last year, on Valentine's Day to be precise, a present was given by me to him. I went back and forth with my wonderful romantic just the same. But for my day, there were only birthday wishes from him. It must have hurt me a bit. After all, he could have at least, with the money I gave him, saved some up and bought me something small. It’s the thought that counts, isn’t it? But not this time, apparently. When he didn’t, I honestly didn’t let it disturb me because I was aware of his unemployment.

We saw each other last month, and my first impression was that he has upgraded to an iPhone 16. My first thought was, hmmm, maybe it's my eyesight. Some Android phones have the same look as an iPhone's, you know? So I thought of the same thing. Thus, I blinked, opened my eyes, and there was the half-apple sign on the back. Hold on. A person without a job? How did he do it? When did he buy it? How? With whose money? Did he maybe put it into stocks or open a business for himself? Or maybe it was a self-gift? Was it a gift? There were so many questions going on in my head, but was I bold enough to inquire?

I didn't inquire about the phone, because I thought if he wanted to tell me, he would have. Thus, hush, I kept it.

Then it hit me that last December, the man attended almost half of the concerts that took place in December. He had such a good time, jumping, singing, and screaming along, taking photos, and he did it all by himself. No, he didn't take me along.

His fun was of such a magnitude that I sat down and thought that during our 15 months together, he never spent a single cent on me. There were no expenses for calling credit, shoes, shampoo, and so on, let alone a girlfriend allowance. He did not give me anything. I am not asking for something out of this world, but his little gesture would have meant a lot.

Is this the real him? Am I asking too much? Am I overreacting?

—Regina

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