This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On a typical Saturday evening, a young man's social media feed might be filled with posts from friends and acquaintances who seem to be living their best lives. They're traveling, dining at fancy restaurants, and flaunting their wealth on social media. Meanwhile, the young man is struggling to make ends meet, working multiple jobs just to get by.
It's a reality that many young men can relate to, and it's a reality that can be crushing. A young man's worth is often measured by his financial stability, and if he's not meeting those expectations, he's often shamed and belittled by those around him.
But is this fair? Should a young man's worth be determined by his bank account? The answer is no. Every young man deserves a shot at love, regardless of his financial situation.
As Mariga Thoithi writes in a recent article, 'Men should not be shamed for being broke, particularly by women who are also struggling.' Thoithi shares her own story of being dumped by a girlfriend who couldn't handle the fact that he was broke. She also shares the story of a young man who was rejected by a girl who said she couldn't date someone who was 'overly dependent on that stipend they collect.'
These stories are all too familiar for many young men. They're often told that they need to get a 'real job' or that they're not good enough because they don't have the financial means to support a partner. But the truth is that no amount of money can cover up for insecurity.
People say that you should date within your financial bracket, but I don't believe in that philosophy. No one enjoys not having money, irrespective of their gender. And yet, we continue to shame and belittle young men who are struggling to make ends meet.
It's time for us to change our mindset. Every young man deserves a shot at love, regardless of his financial situation. We need to stop shaming and belittling them and start supporting and encouraging them. Only then can we create a society where love is not determined by bank accounts, but by the love and respect we have for each other.
