ADAPTED FROM JUNE 12 2020 CHAT BTW Gift link here: https://wapo.st/3BNoUtv

LW: As this pandemic began, I and boyfriend had different income levels: him, food industry, me, highly paid professional. A little friction but we made it work. Now, I'm still working the same job, but he's been out of work, he has little cushion and I've lent him money without expecting any repayment. I can afford it.

But I am beginning to feel taken advantage as he's not bringing it to the relationship lately, we don't see each other often enough, However it is hard for me to articulate it in my head without feeling like I am saying "I paid you, you owe me." I don't want this to poison the relationship but I'm already afraid if I'm thinking this of him, I think too little of him to be with him. Not quite a question, but any advice is appreciated.

HAX: You worry he’s “not bringing the non-monetary equivalent to the relationship,” which is common and neutral to any actual income. I would argue that this is key to any relationship-- making big bucks didn't mean you were off the hook for being loving, attentive, caring, interested, aware, right? So it's about being present and thoughtful, and not shoving burdens off onto others. If he's playing while you work, that shows lack of presence or thought. Ditto making money and making the other person do all the menial chores. The currency is caring.

If you feel like he doesn't care about you the way you want in a partner, then the only issue is the emotional partnership (even though you're being cost money.) and that's what you tackle.

Reader 1: This isn't the full story or relationship, and this is a blip in time-- a big one. Who exactly is this boyfriend in character, etc?