Love is often thought of as an unbreakable bond, a force that can withstand any challenge. Romantic movies and fairy tales tell us that true love conquers all. But reality has a way of testing even the strongest emotions, and nowhere is this more evident than when financial hardship takes hold.
Many couples start their relationships full of passion and dreams, promising to stand by each other no matter what. In the early days, love is enough to make up for the small struggles of daily life. A simple meal shared together, laughter over minor inconveniences, and the warmth of each other’s presence seem to be all that matters. But as the weight of unpaid bills, joblessness, and the struggle to afford even the basic necessities grows heavier, love often takes a backseat to survival.
In places like the Philippines, where poverty affects millions, this reality is painfully common. It is easy to promise loyalty and devotion when life is comfortable, but what happens when there is not enough food on the table? What happens when one partner feels the pressure of providing while the other grows frustrated with an uncertain future? The sad truth is, financial struggles can slowly chip away at love, turning affection into resentment and commitment into exhaustion.
A hungry stomach can make a person impatient. A tired mind, weighed down by the constant worry of making ends meet, can lose the energy to care about romance. Arguments that once ended with laughter now turn into bitter fights about money. Dreams of a happy future begin to fade, replaced by the harsh reality that love alone cannot pay the rent, send children to school, or put food on the table. In many cases, relationships break under the strain.
Infidelity, separation, and even domestic violence become more common when poverty enters the home. A husband who once adored his wife may grow cold and distant, feeling like a failure for not being able to provide. A wife who once swore eternal love may leave in search of someone who can offer stability. Some stay together out of obligation, but the love they once shared is buried under the weight of financial stress.
It is easy to judge people who walk away from relationships in difficult times, but until one has experienced true hardship, it is impossible to understand the pressure it brings. Poverty does not just test love—it changes people. It forces them to make painful choices. Some hold on and find ways to survive together, growing stronger in the face of adversity. Others, however, reach their breaking point and realize that love alone is not enough.
In an ideal world, love would be unshakable. But the reality is that financial security provides the foundation on which love can thrive. Without it, even the deepest affection can struggle to survive. Love does not always leave immediately when poverty knocks, but with time, it often slips out the window, leaving behind nothing but the echoes of promises once made in better days.
