Last summer, I landed an internship I was truly proud of. It was the only offer I received, but it came with paid housing, a solid stipend, and real career potential. The moment I read the acceptance email, I was glowing with excitement. My boyfriend was right there when it happened.
But instead of sharing in my joy, his response was a quick glance and a comment about how “it’s not worth it after taxes” and “too far away.” No congratulations. No “I’m proud of you.” Not even a smile. A whole week passed before he acknowledged it at all.
I took the internship anyway. And that decision opened the door to even better offers this summer—offers I worked hard for, without shortcuts or favors.
Fast forward to now: he has his own internship. His family threw a celebration. We went out to dinner. The difference in how we each experienced success was night and day.
Today, we both make decent money. I make slightly more, but even that seems to bother him. One day, I casually mentioned my paycheck, and his mood instantly shifted. He snapped back with, “You only make more because you’re working three jobs. I do just one and nearly match it.” It wasn’t the first time he turned a conversation into a quiet competition. If I bring up something I’m proud of—like being invited on fully-paid business trips—he’ll immediately pivot the topic to himself without even acknowledging what I said.
It’s exhausting.
I’ve always tried to be supportive. I’ve clapped for his wins, listened to his stories, and encouraged him when he was unsure. But when it’s my turn, I get backhanded comments, forced comparisons, or worse—silence. It’s not just jealousy. It’s the unwillingness to be happy for someone unless they feel like they’re ahead.
And yes, I’ve brought it up. I’ve told him how I feel. Nothing changes—because now that he has his own internship, his insecurity has temporarily quieted. Not resolved. Just buried.
Resentment builds fast when one partner sees your success as a threat instead of a shared win.
If you’re a woman driven by your goals, take this as a gentle reminder: don’t settle for someone who turns your ambition into a rivalry. Find someone who claps for you just as loudly as you clap for them. Because relationships shouldn’t feel like a race.
They should feel like a team.
This story is part of Buzzqo’s “Real Talk” series — inspired by real relationship struggles and reimagined for deeper reflection.