By Morris Wambua

Let’s face it—money talks.

Sometimes, it speaks louder than our feelings! Whether it's paying rent, buying that overpriced
coffee we pretend not to regret, or subtly convincing us that yes, we do need that eighth pair of shoes (no judgment here), money has a way of wiggling itself into every corner of our lives.

But what if I told you that it also sneaks into our love lives?

Let’s be real for a moment.

When it comes to love, people love to talk about soulmates, shared values, and “the spark”—you know, the stuff of Alejandro vibes and cheesy love songs.

But there’s another, quieter player in this game of hearts, one that doesn’t get quite as much credit for its role in matters of the heart: money.

The almighty shilling.

Yes, folks, money.

That little thing that helps pay the bills, buy dinner, and, apparently, stir up more trouble in your love life than you ever imagined. So, sit tight and get ready for a wild ride as we explore the real relationship between cash and love, especially in Kanairo, where that "Confirmed...." message can elicit life-changing conversations, and declarations like, "I can't live without you!".

Why Money Talks (And Sometimes Whispers in Your Ear About Dumping Your Partner)

It’s no secret that money has a funny way of making people act, well… strange. You've suddenly come into a bit of cash? Watch how fast you start reevaluating everything from your wardrobe to your relationship.

The minute your bank balance starts to swell, so does your ego—and that’s when the
love drama begins.

Maybe, you’ve been with your significant other for a while. They’ve seen you through thick and thin, right? But then, out of nowhere, you get a fat bonus at work, or the struggling business finally breaks even, and what comes next? vindu vichenjanga.

Now, all of a sudden, your cute little love bug, who used to look so adorable sipping coffee in sweatpants, seems… just a little less glamorous.

Is it them?

Is it you?

Or is it that shiny new bank balance whispering in your ear, “You know, you could probably upgrade...”?

Don’t worry.

It’s not entirely your fault. Money, like a shady friend giving questionable advice, has a sneaky way of making you feel like you deserve the finer things in life—including a partner that comes with some extra sparkle.

The “Let’s Splurge on Romance” Phenomenon

On the flip side, there’s another way that money can mess with your love life—by turning you into the romantic equivalent of a game show host throwing cash around.

You get a date!

You get flowers!

You get an all-expenses-paid trip to Diani!

We’ve all been there. That paycheck hits, and suddenly you’re feeling like the ultimate high roller in the game of love. Why settle for a quiet movie night at home when you could be whisking your
significant other off to a fancy restaurant with overpriced appetizers the size of your thumbnail

After all, nothing says “I love you” like a Ksh. 5000 dinner, right?

But here’s the thing: while it’s nice to splurge every once in a while, there’s a reason the phrase “money can’t buy love” exists.

Sure, you can impress someone with lavish gifts and extravagant dates, but at the end of the day, no amount of cash is going to make up for a lack of emotional connection. And trust me, if you start trying to fill the relationship void with designer handbags and five-star meals, it’s only a matter of time before both your wallet and your love life are in serious trouble.

More Money, More Problems (And More Awkward Conversations About Prenups)

Money has a way of complicating things, and not just in the “I can afford nicer things” way. The second your financial situation changes—whether for better or worse—so do the dynamics of your
relationship.

Suddenly, what used to be casual conversations about what to watch on Netflix turn into intense debates about joint bank accounts, who’s paying for dinner, and whether or not you should have signed a prenup before moving in together.

It’s all fun and games until someone says the word “debt,” and then the real chaos begins.

Does your partner know about that credit card balance you’ve been pretending doesn’t exist? Have you mentioned that student loan that’s still hanging around like a bad ex? Or worse—have they
started acting differently now that they know you’ve got a bit of money saved up?

You see, when it comes to love and money, things can get awkward fast. One minute you’re sharing a pizza on the couch, and the next, you’re having a full-blown negotiation about who’s chipping in for the delivery tip.

The Budgeting Battle: Love vs. Lunch Money

In the early days of a relationship, you’re willing to throw caution—and your budget—to the wind. Need an extra coffee on the way to work? Sure, let’s stop by that cute café!

Thinking about going out to dinner again, even though you ate out three times this week? Why not—it’s a special occasion! (Translation: it’s Wednesday, but that’s reason enough.)

But fast forward a few months, and reality starts to set in. Suddenly, “Do we really need dessert?” turns into “Do we even need to leave the house?

Let’s just eat leftovers.”

You start realizing that as much as you love your partner, you also love not being broke. And then comes the dreaded budgeting talk. If you thought “Where is this relationship going?” was a tough conversation, just wait until you have to sit down and figure out how to split the rent, groceries, and that impromptu weekend getaway someone (ahem) thought would be a great idea.

Money doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, but it’s definitely a conversation that can make or break a
relationship. So, if you find yourself in a budgeting battle with your significant other, just remember: compromise is key.

When Broke Equals Bonding

Now, let’s talk about the flip side of the coin. You know that saying, “The couple that struggles together, stays together”? There’s some truth to that.

While money can cause all kinds of problems, being broke can actually bring you closer as a couple—assuming you don’t kill each other over who ate the last smokie first.

There’s something oddly romantic about sharing the struggle. When you’re both living off instant noodles and DIY date nights, it forces you to get creative. Who needs fancy dinners when you’ve got a couch, some home made popcorn, and a Netflix password?

Who needs extravagant gifts when you can just, you know, talk?

Some of the strongest relationships are built not during the good times, but during those lean, scrappy, “let’s split this snack and share it” times. After all, nothing says commitment like sticking around when your idea of luxury is ordering guac on your burrito even though it’s extra.

The Gold Digger Dilemma

We couldn’t have a proper conversation about money and love without addressing the elephant in the room: gold diggers. Now, we all know someone who’s had the unfortunate experience of dating someone whose affection was directly tied to the size of their wallet.

The relationship starts off great—romantic dinners, lavish gifts, sweet compliments—until the
credit card maxes out, and suddenly their love fades faster than your bank account balance.

But let’s be real: gold diggers aren’t always the caricature we imagine. Sometimes, they’re subtle. They’re the ones who never seem to have cash when it’s time to pay the bill.

The ones who are more concerned with your job title than your hobbies. The ones who ask if you’re
“career-driven” but really mean, “Are you going to buy me things?”

It’s a tricky situation, but the key is to recognize the signs early. If someone’s love comes with a price tag, it’s time to pull out before you’re emotionally (and financially) bankrupt.

Final Thoughts: Love, Laughter, and Your Bottom Line

So, what’s the moral of this story?

Does money make love stronger?

Does it tear it apart?

Well, like most things in life, the answer isn’t so simple. Money can certainly complicate things—it can make you feel invincible, cause tension, and even make you reconsider your relationship. But at the end of the day, love and money are like oil and water: they don’t always mix, but when they do, you’ve got to shake things up to make it work.

Remember this: whether you’re broke, ballin’, or somewhere in between, what really matters in a relationship is the stuff money can’t buy—like trust, loyalty, and the ability to laugh at life’s absurdities.

So go ahead and treat yourselves to that nice dinner (budget permitting), but don’t forget to enjoy the ride, even when it’s a little bumpy.