Joint Accounts
How Can I Stop Being Weird About My Partner Covering My Rent?
He’s asked me to live with him for free while I’m in school, but I’m uncomfortable being so dependent on him
Welcome to Joint Accounts, a weekly advice column about money and relationships of all kinds. Have a question? Email jointaccounts@medium.com.
Dear Joint Accounts,
For the last three years, I’ve been in a long-distance relationship: I live in Oregon, he lives in Germany. Recently, I made the decision to move to Germany to be with him. I’ll be getting my master’s degree there, and will enter the country on a student visa, which restricts my working hours.
Fortunately, I won’t have many expenses. Tuition is free at German public universities, and my partner has graciously offered to let me stay with him rent-free. I appreciate it, but at the same time, I’m uncomfortable being so dependent on him. How do I work through these feelings? How do I talk about this with him so that he isn’t insulted? How do I swallow my pride and accept this privilege?
Sincerely,
Reluctant to Be Rent-Free
I think it’s important to say this first: It’s completely normal to feel some…
