22F turned ‘boyfriend’ in my relationship, secretly love embarrassing him (23F)

[Swathi]

I'm 22, still studying in college and my parents support me financially. My boyfriend is 23, has a decent job - not a millionaire but comfortable enough to splurge sometimes.

Throughout our relationship I've always tried to be thoughtful with gifts even though I'm broke. If he needed socks, shirts, ties, diaries, office stuff, water bottles, kitchen items for his flat, or random snacks for him and his roommate, I'd get them. Not pricey luxury stuff, just things that made his life easier or happier because I paid attention.

From his side I only ever asked for tiny things - flowers, a chocolate, a random pen because I love stationery, a handwritten note, dancing with me in my room, small thoughtful gestures.

Every time his excuse was:

"I don't earn that much."
"I'm trying to save."
"I don't want to spend unnecessarily."

Once I even told him a 10‑rupee rose bud or a drawing of a flower would make me happy. Still nothing.

So something inside me flipped.

Now I treat HIM like the girlfriend in the relationship.

When I'm on my period, I send HIM flowers, chocolates, ice‑cream.
When I achieve something and want his appreciation, I send HIM a congratulatory gift.
On birthdays, I plan things for myself because I know no one else will. Last birthday I made an advent calendar for myself and showed everyone, because my own effort makes me happier than waiting for him.

And my favourite part now is watching him look embarrassed and guilty while receiving all this.

Like, "yes babe, thanks for accepting my flowers and little treats while your broke college girlfriend keeps out‑performing you romantically."

I don't even think this is love anymore. It feels like satire.

[Pallavi]

>Millionaire level. Even mentioning that shows what you prioritize in life.

[Navya]

Out competing in love? No, y'all are just competing in pettiness. There's no love here, just attachment and disrespect, which you keep feeding for some reason.

[Aman]

You need to leave. This dynamic is unfair to both of you.

[Manisha]

Break up, you're putting too much effort into this relationship, babe.

[joshi]

This is sad... do you even like your boyfriend?

[Isha]

The post and the replies show you're still a kid, OP. You should work on maturity and common sense before talking about love. Your 'lesson' does nothing for your boyfriend. He's enjoying being pampered by you. He still has an emotional hold on you. All he needs to do is cause a scene and you'll happily stay in the relationship, continuing to pamper him and waste your time and life... Tell me again, how are you making him suffer??

[Chandan]

Are you sure you're 22?

[Anirudh]

Girl, be a 'man' as you brag about and break up with him even if he cries. Save your money and self‑respect. He's clearly ignoring you and you think he's embarrassed. He's not; he enjoys it.

[Gopal]

This is a shitty thing to do.

[Mahima]

Is this rage‑bait post? You're literally wasting your money, bro. Just break up and move on. What's this 'he won't let me' nonsense? Are you really that clueless? He's enjoying it. Who's embarrassed with princess treatment??