Friend & I did a social experiment

[Sameer]

So I was chatting with a friend about how guys often change their attitude when I bring up, "What if I'm not earning or can't contribute financially?" I do it just as a test to see if he would still stick by me at my lowest. My guy friend said girls react the same way, so as a little experiment he asked three girls from our group what they'd do if a financial problem came up. One girl said, "We'll figure it out, I'll earn." The second said, "We can sell my jewellery and you can start something on your own." The third was supportive as well. Even though the first two weren't earning much, they both showed a very positive attitude. He was shocked but also happy. In my experience, the guys I know are well‑settled, and I am too. Once a guy asked if he could quit his job because he hated the working hours, and I told him, "Sure, do whatever you like. I'll support you." Don't start sending hate in the comments - I'm just sharing what happened. I'm sure others have had different experiences.

[Aarti]

I asked a similar question to a girl, wondering if she'd support me during that phase. At first she said yes and that we'd manage together, but later she ghosted me, saying she couldn't meet my expectations. I'm not sure what expectations she meant, but I think she was referring to that conversation. I later realized I didn't clarify that by 'support' I meant emotional and mental support, not financial help. She probably misunderstood.

[Pallavi]

I can share a few examples myself, but they're just anecdotes. I'll be straight with you: > if I mention, "What if I'm not earning or unable to contribute financially?" that sounds like I'm planning for the future, not just a one‑off emergency. The way your friend phrased it - > what would happen if a financial issue arose - gives it a completely different meaning. Maybe re‑word the question better.

[Satish]

I asked the same thing and one woman told me that love is completely materialistic, and if a guy stops earning, any woman would leave him. That response shocked me. The rest were very supportive.

[Shankar]

My cousin was backing this guy she met through an AM setup. He said he was between jobs or something, but it turned out he was actually gambling.

[Naman]

I don't see much value in this experiment because people can lie when you give them hypotheticals. When the real trouble hits, reality is totally different. I'd suggest looking for more grounded folks who have actually faced hardships and can handle such situations - easier said than done, though.

[Anand]

Hypotheticals are just that - hypotheticals. No one can predict how someone will actually react when the time comes. There's plenty of evidence showing both good and bad sides of the partner who isn't directly affected.

[Nath]

I'm struggling to understand what the experiment actually is.

[Farhan]

I'd rather a girl pause and question the situation than spout fluffy lines like "we'll figure it out". A household doesn't run on vague hypotheticals. Judge people by what they actually do.

[Ansh]

TBH, it isn't a good experiment. I've seen people lie through their teeth when asked hypothetical questions, especially about career, parents, finances, etc.

[Charu]

You quoted: "One girl said, 'We'll figure it out, I'll earn.' The second said, 'We can sell my jewellery, and you can start something of your own.' The third was supportive too. Also, these two girls weren't earning much, yet they showed a very positive attitude towards that conversation. He was in kind of shock and happy too." Are you surprised by the results of this social experiment? What did you expect people to say or do?