As of late I have noticed some acquaintances have seemed to have found love & happiness in some rather lopsided relationships. And as I observe them I wonder...
-Are they sustainable?
-Does one of them have an ulterior motive?
-Is entering into a very lopsided relationship an act of desperation?
Here are a couple of the more illustrative scenarios:
P (the guy) and C (the gal)--
P has a PHD in chemistry (and a BS and two masters' degrees) and has a really good, high paying job working in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry. He speaks two languages fluently and is an Army veteran. He has his own very nice apartment, a really fancy car, is well-traveled, no kids, never married before, and is 38. His girlfriend C (my acquaintance) has just a high school diploma. She works as an administrative assistant at a college here in town. She makes perhaps $30k a year. She is currently enrolled in community college and is 32 years old. She has considerable debt and very bad credit.
Both P and C are of average looks.
But P and C seem to really adore each other -- they give each other little surprises, they go on real dates, they spend most of their free time together, and they are both quite happy with their physical intimacy.
J & S --
S is my friend from back in college who I still keep in touch with. She is a successful immigration attorney in TX. She has her own place that is nicely furnished with all the creature comforts. She has a nice car, two dogs she spoils, and a great circle of friends. She is 37. J is a Mexican immigrant (undocumented/no papers). He works as a waiter. He does not have a car. He has only a few suitcases worth of stuff. They informally live together and according to S, J cooks (and well!) and he cleans the apartment. He also takes good care of her dogs. He works steadily and is enrolled to start community college. S will be paying his tuition for the most part. She says the physical intimacy is great and she is emotionally fulfilled, as J makes her feel "pretty and special." S is plus-size. J is muscular and lean.
Thoughts?