At 26 years old, many young men find themselves torn between the desire to build a stable future and the pressure to maintain a happy relationship. For one man earning a monthly salary of KSh 20,000, the question was simple yet profound: “How do I please my girlfriend with my limited income?”
This dilemma reflects the reality of many young Kenyans navigating life on modest salaries. With the high cost of living, rent, food, transport, and bills quickly eat into a paycheck, leaving little room for luxury. Yet, relationships thrive on more than money—they demand love, attention, and intentional effort.
The truth is, pleasing a partner does not necessarily require a fat bank account. Simple acts of thoughtfulness often carry more weight than expensive gifts. Cooking her favorite meal, taking her for a walk in the park, planning a home movie night, or surprising her with a heartfelt note are small but powerful gestures. They cost little but mean a lot.
Budgeting wisely also helps. Even on KSh 20,000, setting aside a small percentage—say KSh 1,000 to 1,500—for shared moments ensures the relationship remains lively without straining finances. What matters most is consistency, not extravagance.
Equally important is communication. Being honest with a partner about financial limitations prevents misunderstandings. Many women value transparency and effort over pretense. A relationship built on openness, where both partners understand the financial situation, is more likely to withstand challenges.
At the heart of it, pleasing a girlfriend is less about how much money one spends and more about how much love, time, and thoughtfulness is invested. A young man with KSh 20,000 can still create priceless memories by focusing on quality time, kindness, and shared dreams.
After all, money may come and go, but genuine love and intentional effort are what keep a relationship strong.
