What if your partner is more successful than you?

Asked by: Ms. Daisha Bergnaum  |  Last update: September 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (3 votes)

When one person soars, the other can often feel vulnerable, says psychotherapist and relationships author Lucy Beresford. 'The biggest challenge is the belief that one's contribution to the relationship is more valuable, more worthy, because the career consumes more time or makes more money,' she tells Metro.co.uk.

What to do when your partner is more successful than you?

Stop being jealous and redirect that energy towards your own success.
  1. Build up your partner. ...
  2. Create a positive feedback cycle. ...
  3. Value the differences that make you stronger together. ...
  4. Put in the work. ...
  5. Being right on time. ...
  6. Rewarding partnerships. ...
  7. Genuine admiration rooted in security.

What is the 70/30 rule in a relationship?

seventy percent of the time you are going to let them initiate . things, either text messages, snapshots, even asking to make plans. . Sleeves you initiating thirty percent of the time. . This is not too much where they're not .

How do I stop being jealous of my partner's success?

How to Handle Your Partner's Success
  1. Resist comparisons. You may be causing your own distress by ruminating over how you compare. ...
  2. Enjoy your differences. You and your partner probably excel in separate areas. ...
  3. Ask for what you need. ...
  4. Make room for yourself.

What if your boyfriend is richer than you?

You don't have to match them.

Love can make you do crazy things, and you might find yourself wanting to match up to them in terms of spending on a present, but don't put yourself in jeopardy to do this. Gifts are often a way to show your partner that you are thinking of them, care about them, and love them.

If You Make More Money Than Your Partner, Watch This

44 related questions found

Is it bad to date someone richer than you?

According to a relationship expert, significant income disparity can cause strain in the relationship. The best way to handle potential conflict is through self-reflection, communication, and letting your partner know you value them for more than their money.

Can money break up a relationship?

It is no secret that financial matters can be a significant source of stress in relationships. Disagreements over spending habits, debt, and financial goals often lead to conflict. Money-related tensions can escalate quickly, causing resentment and even the breakup of an otherwise decent relationship.

Why am I not happy with my partner's success?

Deep down, there is this fear inside us, this fear that if our partners become better, become successful, become more outstanding than they already are, we will fall behind as someone who is inferior, who becomes someone unworthy for them.

How do you tell if your partner is jealous of your success?

Envy
  1. Praise around a partner's success that feels disingenuous.
  2. Feelings of upset when a partner has a successful moment.
  3. Constant or frequent comparison of wages or job positions.
  4. Discomfort around a partner's quantity of friends or their social life.
  5. Negative commentary about a partner's job, or success at their job.

How to celebrate your partner's wins?

Acknowledge Their Achievements: When your partner accomplishes something significant, express your genuine admiration and pride. Let them know that you recognize and appreciate their efforts. Celebrate Small Victories: Big or small, make it a point to celebrate even the smallest achievements together.

What is the 5 5 5 rule in relationships?

The 5-5-5 method is simple, according to Clarke. When a disagreement comes up, each partner will take 5 minutes to speak while the other simply listens, and then they use the final five minutes to talk it through.

How much time should couples spend together in a week?

According to relationship experts, one option is to divide your time with and without your partner 70/30. This means that, ideally, you should spend 70% of your time together and 30% of your time apart.

What is the #1 relationship rule?

Conclusion? The first rule of relationship harmony is all about speaking respectfully.

What is valued more in a relationship?

Respect. Respect in relationships means valuing each other's individuality, opinions, and boundaries. Treating your partner as an equal and appreciating their unique qualities and perspectives can help make each person feel valued and important. This can encourage personal growth and strengthen the bond between you.

How do you deal with a difficult business partner?

  1. 1 Identify the root cause. The first step to deal with a difficult or unresponsive business partner is to understand why they are behaving that way. ...
  2. 2 Set clear and realistic expectations. ...
  3. 3 Use positive and respectful language. ...
  4. 4 Seek win-win solutions. ...
  5. 5 Know when to walk away. ...
  6. 6 Here's what else to consider.

When one partner is more committed?

Asymmetrically Committed Relationships (ACRs) are defined as relationships in which one partner is significantly more committed than the other, leaving the less committed partner more 'in control'. Research suggests that a high percentage (35%) of romantic relationships are ACR's.

Who gets more jealous in a relationship?

Concurring with the evolutionary view of jealousy in relationship to gender, the current study done at an educational institution, theorized that females were more jealous of emotional infidelity and males more jealous of sexual infidelity.

How do you test if he is jealous?

Examples of behaviors that could be signs of jealousy include:
  1. He consistently asks you where you are, who you're with, and what you're doing.
  2. He goes through your text messages, call logs, or emails without your consent.
  3. He regularly checks your social media accounts and interactions with other.

What does success look like in a relationship?

Successful long-term relationships

Stay curious about, but respectful of, each other. It is really important to stay up to date with your partner. Friendship is at the basis of all successful long-term relationships. Successful couples tend to be realists who recognise that a relationship will go through ups and downs.

Am I really unhappy in my relationship?

Signs that you are unhappy in a relationship include: Always thinking you'd be better off with someone else. Not feeling attracted to your partner anymore. Not feeling safe in the relationship anymore.

How do I deal with not being my partner's priority?

Things You Should Know

Tell your partner how they can make you feel like more of a priority, and thank them when they step up for you. You can also improve your relationship by setting boundaries and prioritizing your own needs.

Why do successful people struggle with relationships?

Successful people often have a different pace, expectations, and worldview. All of these differences can create friction in a relationship. It takes a lot of understanding, communication, and compromise to bridge these gaps. And for someone used to having things their way, this can be a real challenge.

Should you date a man with financial problems?

If your partner has a lot of debt, it can affect your financial future together, and it's crucial to discuss how you'll handle it together. However, if you're just starting to date it might be considered a big red flag.

Can taking a break save a relationship?

In some situations, taking a break in a relationship can be a healthy way to preserve the connection. Taking a brief break is one way to create some distance in a relationship, but how much distance you need and how long it lasts can depend.

What is a toxic relationship with money?

deliberately withholding money or financial support, leaving you unable to cover essential expenses like food, housing, or health care. tracking every penny you spend, scrutinizing receipts, or demanding detailed explanations for minor expenses that create a sense of financial surveillance and control.