Ring on hold: Amelia's boyfriend refuses to propose until she's debt-free

--:--
Hold onto your hats, lovebirds, we have a juicy confession from a listener named Amelia.

Here's the deal: Amelia's been with her boyfriend for a blissful two years, but their path to happily ever after seems to have hit a major detour. Brace yourselves, because Amelia's boyfriend is refusing to propose... until she pays off her debt!

The Confession

"Hi Stacey and J Sbu, it's Amelia. My boyfriend of two years told me that he wouldn't propose to me until I paid off my debt. I had acquired medical bills and a few credit card debts before we met. I'm R260,000 in debt as we speak. It has me thinking, is he using my debt as an excuse not to purpose."

This is a situation that'll leave you saying, "Whoa, there!" Financial stability is important for marriage, but should it be the only reason to delay a proposal?

Amelia's situation is a complex one so we scoured the web to find some advice to help her navigate this tricky terrain:

Open Communication is Key: An honest conversation with her boyfriend is crucial. What are his specific concerns about the debt? Does he see it impacting their future lifestyle or stability? Understanding his perspective will shed light on whether it's a genuine worry or an excuse. For tips on effective communication in relationships, check out the Gottman Institute.

Crafting a Debt Management Plan: Amelia's already tackling her debt, but creating a concrete plan with him can be reassuring. This could involve outlining a budget, setting realistic repayment goals, and tracking progress together. Resources like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling offer free tools and guidance on creating a budget and managing debt.

Remember that communication and a shared vision for the future are vital. If Amelia feels her boyfriend is hesitant for the wrong reasons, it might be time to re-evaluate the relationship's long-term prospects
24 Apr English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Joseph Clark performs for Stacey Norman and J Sbu

Iconic performer Joseph Clark joined Stacey Norman and J Sbu on air and shared a stunning rendition of a familiar song but with a Durban twist! If you missed out on this magnificent vocalist, we've got you covered. Get ready for a short yet mind-blowing performance.
16 May 6 min

Boat names: If you had one, what would you call it?

Stacey Norman and J Sbu asked East Coasters what they would name their boat if they had one. We heard about the "Reel Slim Shanty" from 12-year-old Dom, a die-hard Eminem fan. Your favourite drive duo also learned that there are some rules to naming your boat. Listen in to…
16 May 9 min

What's your little treat this Thursday?

Stacey Norman and J Sbu asked KZN what their little treat is this Thursday. One East Coaster called in to let us know how she hides sweets and chocolates around her house, forgets where she left them and has a surprise treat every time she locates one. Oh how we…
16 May 9 min

Do people change after marriage?

Tying the knot is a momentous occasion, signifying a lifelong commitment and the blossoming of a new family unit. But what about the individuals within that unit? Does marriage fundamentally alter who we are? Several factors can influence how people change after marriage. Here are just two key considerations: Shared…
15 May 10 min