But don’t let it turn you bitter. First, figure out if she’s complaining or just thinking out loud. Huge difference. Next time she does it, don’t get defensive. Just say calmly: those comments land like criticism, so what exactly do you need from me? Her answer will be useful. If she wants more effort, that’s fair. If she wants more money, that’s a problem. Stop comparing yourself to some imaginary benchmark. You’re not Jen’s boyfriend. If she can’t see what you actually bring to the table, that’s her loss. For more on handling social comparison in relationships, https://wisedate.org/blog/ has solid takes. But here’s the real move: quietly upgrade your own life.
