Most working girls dump guys who earn less--really? That isn't really the case. It's that most working girls dump those guys because of the SYMPTOMS exhibited by most guys who earn less. This is something guys need to know.
Now of course there are people out there--men and women alike--who are only after money. But those aren't the people we're talking about here.
If these girls are working, they don't really care how much their partners earn, though they definitely would appreciate it if the guy can earn enough to help out when they become a family. It doesn't have to be a lot, perhaps enough to pay for groceries, that'd be great. Inflation is a btch and let's be frank, it's hard for a middle-class family to have only one working member these days.
But the thing is, most men who earn less are plagued by insecurities. They become miserable and lethargic, and if they even want to earn money, they bank on one-shot strategies that "earn" money. Somehow, they end up competing with their partner. If this wasn't the case, they'll be miserable enough to stay in limbo, paralyzed and not knowing what to do. Some would drink, and some would be like the MC who would just wallow in misery. As you can imagine, in the long run, these people will either end up hurting their partners or will keep hurting themselves. It would be difficult for the partner if they can't pull themselves together.
Women can't see a proper future with men like that--especially if they're still unmarried after 10 years. Not to say I condone anyone for going out with someone else before breaking up (i.e. cheating) but we can see where MC's gf coming from.
MC, despite not earning much, actually has a job and it's enough for the both of them to get married--but he hasn't proposed yet. And even worse, it seems like he keeps asking if she's going to break up with him even before this. It's hard to keep loving a person who keeps pushing you away.
What MC had was a classic case of paralysis and indecision brought by too many overwhelming factors. You can imagine it's taking a toll on the partner as well. If you're in limbo, your partner will also be in limbo. They can't help you because you're not even trying to help yourself.
This is true for males, females and the lgbtq+. In this case, the best course of action is therapy--the psychiatric kind.
Your partner can help you get through it, but they're not the professional who knows the best course of action. Naturally, find a therapist that best fits you. Therapists are not one-size-fits-all after all, since they're also humans.
Though frankly, if I were MC's gf, I would be the one to propose. 😂 I mean he's fairly good-looking and he has a job, not earning much, but quite stable--women are attracted to stability (which is why they can't really rely on men who gamble their life away). And though he's wallowing up in misery, he doesn't seem like he'd cheat. If I were his gf and I'm also earning money and I love him, then I can just propose instead. And then I'll recommend that he see a psychiatrist to help him with his internal battles.
Though I can't say for sure either because it seemed like their relationship had a lot of problems already.