SINGAPORE — A man recently shared his concerns about the financial pressures of his upcoming wedding and housing costs, revealing the advice given to him by a well-off friend. In an anonymous post on a popular confession platform, the man, in his mid-20s, explained that he was engaged, while his friend, also in his 20s, was already married.

The friend and his wife earn a combined six-figure annual income, own a fully paid Build-To-Order (BTO) flat, and drive a new car, also fully paid off. Describing his friend as self-made and generous, the man mentioned how his friend often gives substantial monetary gifts, recalling an instance where he gave an $800 ang pao at a wedding.

Unlike his friend, the man stated that he was simply an employee and felt stressed about managing wedding and housing costs. Seeking advice, he was told by his friend to forgo a lavish wedding and opt for a simple solemnisation instead. While the suggestion seemed “logical,” the man admitted, “I will hate my life if I follow his advice.”

Despite his friend’s practical advice, the man and his fiancée had always envisioned a large wedding to celebrate their special day. He also shared that he wanted a romantic proposal before applying for a flat, even though doing so would have provided fewer grants. “I want my ideal home to reflect my aspirations, not just make compromises to fit a budget,” he lamented.

He then posed a broader question: “Are we Singaporeans destined to live like this? It feels impossible to build my ideal life here.”

Many commenters on the post shared their thoughts, advising the man that a successful marriage was far more important than an extravagant wedding. They encouraged him to focus on the quality of his relationship rather than the scale of the event.

Earlier this year, another man shared his experience with a woman on a dating app who asked about his salary early in their conversation. She explained that she was looking for a serious relationship with marriage in mind and questioned whether he earned more than $8,000 a month.

In his post, the man expressed frustration, wondering, “Am I on a business venture or a date?” Though some netizens were critical of the woman’s approach, others appreciated her honesty in being upfront about her expectations.