He’s a Nice Guy, But… Does Love Matter More Than His Salary in Indian Marriages

Okay, let’s get one thing straight: love is great. But have you ever tried paying rent with a nice guy’s warm, fuzzy feelings? Spoiler alert: it doesn't work. In the classic Indian marriage narrative, it’s always the same—our protagonist (aka the bride) is expected to juggle love, career, family expectations, and the occasional unsolicited advice from nosy relatives about settling down. Does love really matter more than his salary? Because, let’s face it, if your significant other has the financial acumen of a potato, your future might be a little wobbly. But don’t worry, this isn’t a doomsday scenario—there are layers to this.


Let’s start with the classic “nice guy.” He’s sweet, attentive, makes you feel like you’re the only one in the room. He’ll probably even remember your coffee order and call just to check in on you after a stressful day. You’d think, “Wow, he’s a keeper.” But wait. What’s his salary looking like? Does he have that sparkle in his eye because he’s imagining a future…or because he’s imagining a job interview at the nearest tech company that’s just a little above minimum wage?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that a man’s worth is tied to the size of his paycheck. But when that nice guy is spending his evenings watching Netflix in his shared flat, and his idea of a big night is a spicy Maggi, it’s worth asking: Can he actually keep up with the cost of your dreams? Because here’s the thing about nice guys: they’re great for the moment, but can they provide for the long haul? Sure, it’s fun to be swept off your feet by someone who makes you feel like you’re walking on air. But when you realize you’re on the same air—just trying to catch your breath—reality starts to hit a little harder.


Now, let’s break down the elephant. Yes, we’re all told that money can’t buy happiness, and yes, we’ve all seen the Instagram quotes from your high school bestie reminding you that “true love doesn’t come with a price tag.” But let’s get real for a minute.
Money isn’t the villain here—it’s just the tool. It’s the thing that lets you live life on your terms. It’s the difference between a vacation in the Maldives and a weekend getaway in the next town over. It’s the thing that, when you don’t have it, makes the love you’re living off feel a little… thin. When we’re talking about Indian marriages, there’s no escaping the fact that money and security are often viewed as the foundation of a successful marriage. It’s not enough to just be "in love." It’s about providing for each other, investing in each other’s futures, and most importantly, feeling safe in the knowledge that the rent will be paid and the kids’ education won’t be another wishful thinking project.


Now, this is where the question gets tricky. Should love trump money? Is there a moment when the nice guy’s sweet affection should take precedence over his lack of financial planning? Here’s the answer, but it’s not easy to swallow: No. Love is essential. It’s the thing that gives life its depth, its warmth. But it’s also fragile, like a candle flickering in the wind. Without a steady flame—like a reliable paycheck—it can be extinguished faster than you think. You see, love isn’t just about how good you look in wedding photos or the vows you exchange on that perfect day. It’s about building something that lasts. Building a life together that doesn’t depend on wishful thinking or your 10th “I love you” of the day. Love needs a foundation—something to stand on when life gets heavy. And without a financial cushion, that foundation is a bit like building a house on sand.


Here’s the twist no one wants to acknowledge: it’s not love versus money—it’s love with money. What you need isn’t a choice between a kind soul with no plans or a financially savvy person who lacks the emotional depth to connect with you. What you need is someone who gets it—who can see both the value of nurturing a relationship and the necessity of being grounded in reality.
We’ve romanticized this idea that love should come first, that it somehow exists above all the practical aspects of life. But here’s the deal: love can’t only be romantic. It’s a partnership—one where both of you bring something to the table, whether it’s emotional intelligence or the ability to manage a budget. Love isn’t a substitute for ambition or a safety net. Love should be the thing that makes the hard stuff easier.

At the end of the day, love isn’t about grand gestures or throwing caution to the wind. It’s about recognizing the reality that you, and your partner, are going to face the highs and lows of life together. And in a world where financial security isn’t guaranteed, it’s about asking yourselves the hard questions: How will we face these challenges? Will love be enough when things get tough?
So, maybe it’s time we stop asking if love matters more than salary and start asking, “How can we build a life where both matter?” Because the truth is, in Indian marriages—and in life—love is necessary, but so is the ability to build, create, and sustain something real. And if you can do that together, with mutual respect, understanding, and yes, a healthy dose of financial planning, then you’ve got a partnership that can weather anything. Now that’s the kind of love you want to bet on.