Eh, ever scrolled through Reddit SG and stumbled upon those “asking for a friend” posts that make you go “Hmmm”? Imagine this: your friend (or maybe, *ahem*, you) is considering dating someone in her 30s who’s already retired, living comfortably on her parents’ dime – we’re talking a S$5,000 monthly stipend and future private housing settled. Sounds like a dream, or is there a catch?
The ‘Good Life’ Option
Let’s be real, in a high-cost city like Singapore, the idea of financial freedom without the daily grind is super tempting for many. The Reddit thread showed a lot of Singaporeans practically drooling over this scenario. For some, it’s the ultimate life goal – no more slogging at work, just enjoying life with financial security.
- Instant appeal of financial security
“Why date her when you can marry her? She’s living the dream while the rest of us are slogging away.”
- Seen as an ideal lifestyle
“That’s the life I want man”
The consensus? Many see it as a “perfect wife” situation, with some even jokingly (or not so jokingly) asking for an introduction. It highlights a common desire to escape the rat race, especially when housing and monthly expenses are already sorted.
Not All Shiok, Leh
But hold your horses, not everything that glitters is gold, right? While the original poster mentioned “social stigma and shame,” some Redditors were quick to dismiss that. However, one user, kopi_gremlin, shared some serious food for thought from personal experience. They pointed out that a lack of work and social obligations can lead to some challenging personality developments.
- Potential personality shifts
“It didn’t end well because a certain personality develops after a person ceases work and has little to no social obligations. The things they do to feel relevant/gain validation can be trying on your nerves.”
- Mental well-being concerns
“Their mental state may eat at them through their 30s to maybe even 50s.”
The concern is that without a sense of purpose or daily structure, a person might struggle mentally, seeking validation in ways that could strain a relationship. It’s a reminder that financial comfort doesn’t automatically equal happiness or a problem-free life.
Making It Work, Can?
So, if your “friend” decides to date someone in this unique situation, what’s the game plan? It’s not just about enjoying the financial perks. The key, as suggested by Redditors, is encouraging a sense of purpose. This doesn’t mean forcing them into a 9-to-5, but finding something meaningful.
- Encourage meaningful pursuits
“Even if you don’t get together with her, you could perhaps encourage her to engage in meaningful endeavours such as manage charities. People need purpose.”
- Explore hobbies or small ventures
“Edit: starting a home bakery could be fun considering the insane rentals these days.”
Whether it’s volunteering, managing a charity, diving into a passion project like a home bakery (especially with crazy rental costs for commercial spaces!), or pursuing further education, having something to strive for is crucial. As one user wisely put it, “Work does not make right, but it grounds us.” Ultimately, open communication and mutual understanding of life goals will be vital for any relationship to thrive, regardless of bank balance.
