Talking about how much money you earn is more acceptable in some cultures than others, in the UK and America, it can be considered rude.
On a first date if someone asks how much you earn you have to question their intentions. Alarm bells should be going off in your head if your date is overly focused on money, they could be a gold digger or have very poor social skills, neither are attractive qualities in a potential partner. If you’ve have been flashing your black American Express card around, your gold digger date might think that you’re quite the catch.
When someone asks how much money you earn you are under no obligation to answer the question. Feel free to use one of our clever comebacks to be evasive and shut the conversation down.
15 Best comebacks when someone asks how much money you make
1. What’s your salary range for a boyfriend?
2. That’s a rather personal question. I don’t know you well enough to discuss that.
3. I am saving this information until I get hired as a permanent boyfriend.
4. I’m not looking for a gold digger, just a girl who digs me.
5. I earn a comfortable amount, but not enough to buy my own private island yet.
6. I make enough to keep the local animal shelter well-supported.
7. I guess you could say I’m in the just happy to be living the dream financial category.
8. Let’s just say I’m still waiting for my ship to come in, but I’ve got a pretty good paddle.
9. I make enough to keep the lights on and the fridge stocked with good beer.
10. Wow, that’s a personal question to ask someone you don’t know very well.
11. You go first. How much do you make a month?
12. I prefer to keep my financial matters personal.
13. I’m not comfortable discussing that.
14. I don’t discuss my finances with people I barely know.
15. Wouldn’t you like to know the answer to that question.
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Why do people ask how much money do you make?
Normally asking people how much money you make is a taboo subject, but some folks may ask about your income out of curiosity or a desire to know your financial situation. It can also be a way for people to determine their own financial standing in comparison to others.
People may ask about your income as a way to assess your social or professional status. Some folks have a criteria for a romantic partner to earn a certain amount of money, and they won’t consider a partner that earns less than their ideal mate.
We need to remember that discussing personal finances is a sensitive topic and often considered a private conversation. You have no obligation to give someone the details of your financial status, and it is important to only reveal what is comfortable for you.
How to deal with someone asking ‘how much money do you make?’
When faced with a personal question about your financial standing, always remember that you have the right to keep your financial information private. You can respond in a polite but firm manner, letting the person know the topic is off limits.
If you want to deflect the question with humor, you could use one of our lighthearted responses.
You can also redirect the conversation in a casual way by bringing up a different topic. It is important to set personal boundaries, when discussing your personal boundaries. If the person won’t let the conversation drop, you have the right to excuse yourself from the conversation.
Kareem was shocked women asked ‘how much money do you make?’
Kareem sat at the bustling cafe, enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation around him. As he engaged in a lively discussion with a group of women at the neighboring table, he was taken aback when one of them boldly inquired, “So, how much money do you make?”
His initial shock quickly gave way to a sense of discomfort, as he grappled with the unexpected nature of the question. It seemed to him an intrusion into his personal life, and he struggled to find the right words to respond.
Feeling a mix of embarrassment and indignation, Kareem paused for a moment, carefully considering his response. He decided to address the question with grace and honesty, explaining that he preferred not to discuss his income in casual conversation. The women nodded understandingly, and the conversation shifted to more lighthearted topics. As the encounter came to a close, Kareem reflected on the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a sense of privacy, even in the midst of friendly interactions.
Leaving the cafe, Kareem found himself pondering the societal expectations and norms surrounding discussions of personal finances. He realized that while it was natural for people to be curious about such matters, it was equally important to respect each individual’s right to privacy. With a newfound sense of assertiveness, Kareem vowed to navigate such conversations with confidence and tact in the future, ensuring that his boundaries were always respected.
The Role of counselling and self care
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When you are dealing with a person who asks how much money you make and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
Enough for myself.