You CAN find love, even if you're broke or unemployed

Wasanga Mehana chats to Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela, relationship coach.

Listen below.

Navigating relationships when you are on a tight budget or unemployed can be emotionally stressful and draining.

However, one does not need to be the wealthiest to maintain a relationship… you need discipline and open communication. 

Nhlabathi-Madonsela says we must understand that society has placed more pressure on unemployed men than women.

“[This]understanding will inform your expectations. If you don’t manage your expectations you will most likely sabotage the relationship that you are in or are trying to enter.”

- Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela, relationship coach

Many people refrain from dating because a lack of financial stability impacts their self-confidence. 

“If your confidence is informed by the fact that you can look after yourself or have money in your pocket, obviously you will feel more confident when you have a job than if you don’t.”

- Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela, relationship coach

“It might seem easy to tell someone that they must be confident, but how has that person been socialised? Men have been socialised that the role you play in society is based on the value and contribution you bring to society… [Financial instability] makes you feel like you cannot approach females until your have reached this level.”

- Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela, relationship coach

Being broke or unemployed does not mean that you cannot find love.

“You adjust your expectations and you understand where you sit on the dating market value simply because you are unemployed, that will help you be able to pursue the kind of lovers who would attain you.”

- Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela, relationship coach

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion