Traditionally, men have been the breadwinners and women the housewives. But in an age where both men and women hold high-profile jobs and earn accordingly, does it make any difference who makes more money? Surely, it’s love, not money, that makes the world go round.

This certainly rings true for some high-income women. When looking for a partner, your salary is at the bottom of the list of criteria and is almost irrelevant if you are otherwise a match. For these women it is more important that their partner has a job they enjoy, or is making a difference in society, while managing their personal finances effectively. However, the longevity of these types of relationships depends on a number of factors. It is essential that the woman does not make the man feel inadequate by continually referencing income disparity, especially during arguments! Most importantly, the man in question has to be self-assured and secure within himself. Without this self-worth, it is difficult for the relationship to survive. And perhaps arguably, in their genetic makeup, all men are proud on some level, which can lead to problems. If insecurities start to creep in, men may feel emasculated for not being able to fulfill their ‘traditional role’. This can lead to isolation, tension, and arguments, resulting in a break in the relationship.

At the height of love, many of us have our heads in the clouds and only once reality sets in do we begin to see our relationships on a practical level. It is arguably at this point that some women may begin to resent adjusting their lifestyles, often paying the bill and wondering how they will manage if they marry and start a family. But on the other hand, if you’re in a great relationship, heading into a partnership for life, why should it matter who earns more? What’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours, right?

For other high-income women, finding a partner who makes the same or more money is right at the top of their list. Many want to start a family at some point and want the option of staying home to raise a family or going back to work. They are also used to a certain lifestyle, and while they may be happy to make some compromise, they feel they should not be forced to make sacrifices or feel guilty about enjoying the fruits of their labor. This is equally true for some men, who want an income-matching partner, so that together they can enjoy a sustainable lifestyle and provide a brighter outlook for their future family.

There are some men who are not insecure and are delighted at the prospect of earning more. But for other men, they prefer to find a partner who earns less. This validates their position within society as they step up and fulfill their traditional role. For some of these men, it also gives them additional assurance that the woman will be more accommodating in fulfilling her traditional role of being a good wife and mother, compared to a high-flying woman.

It seems that when men make more money than women, no one flinches. Conversely, it has the opposite effect and opens all kinds of debates. So perhaps the real question here is not whether money or love makes the world work, but whether we are tolerating double standards in the age of equality or simply accepting traditional roles dictated by society.