Twitter user saying it's not fair to split bills evenly sparks debate

Money is not exactly a comfortable subject, even among married couples sometimes. Some people like to keep their accounts separate, some prefer to pool it in one joint account but there's no denying that almost always there's a money inequity. It can come in the form of wealth, money in hand, salary, and many other ways. The most common rule that partners have is to go dutch—split the bill. One Twitter user @MxKantEven made an argument that financial responsibilities in a relationship should be split based on the income they earn. She said the bills shouldn't be split equally but equitably. The argument has sparked a debate online and many of them seem to agree with it. 

“I know this won’t be a hot take for people with sense but: The division of financial responsibility in a relationship should be equitable, not equal,” said Twitter user Keshav Kant. “If you make 3x what your partner does, you should pay more because you can. Do a 2:1 split, and cover 70% of the bills.” Not everyone agreed, with some saying that it could create a shift in the power dynamics within the relationship towards the person paying more money. "Sounds like a recipe for resentment. The person paying for more will want more control. This is why one's financial situation is an important factor at the beginning of relationships," commented one user.  

Some agreed with Kant, saying it was only fair that the burden on their respective incomes remains the same. One person said he'd worked out a system in which couples contribute a similar percentage of their income towards the common pot, which meant that the financial burden would be equitable but the person with more income would contribute more. "I've kind of liked the idea of couples coming together to a same percentage that will cover bills - i.e.: Both set aside 19% to go to bills. That way if one earner makes significantly more, you're still both contributing the same relative percentage," wrote Jay. 

Kant even one step further and said that the method of equitable distribution should extend other circles as well, and not just in your partner. “This extends to your friends and (chosen) family too,” said Kant. “Cuz the way some of y’all treat the loved ones in your lives is f—king deplorable. It’s literally just money, and if you’ve got it, there’s no reason to be so f—king stingy with it,” she added. 

One person said they always adopt that method with their friends. "With the besties, any time 1 of us was down bad the other 3 would make sure the 4th was good for any outing. And we were always conscious about the itinerary. Every one of us had a season on the low rung. Ride for ya peoples," they wrote. Another pointed out many friends were oblivious to the divide because they had too much money. "Had a friend (?) in college who kept asking to eat out in town… we stopped being friends very quickly like sir please I’m poor lmao and also THE WAY ITS ALWAYS POOR FOLKS PASSING THE SAME TEN DOLLARS AROUND IDSJKSSJ," they commented.

Not everyone was on board with the idea though. One person wrote, "I’m sorry but I won’t let my queen pay for the bills. I love my future wife too much to not take care of it." Many were surprised that people didn't have their own joint accounts, instead of splitting percentages and money. "Dating or Married/gonna get married? If the latter, word of advice, Put that sh*t in a joint account call it a day. Don't f*ck with the idea of paying %s. You married that person or plan to.. it is what it is. If their spending habits are an issue address that sh*t before marriage," said one user.

Some argued joint accounts were not the best idea, especially if they had partners who swoop it all up and make a run for it, and let's face it, there's no shortage of terrible people in this world. A majority of the people agreed with distributing financial responsibilities equitably but as many pointed out, it ultimately comes down to the communication and the personal dynamics between the couple. One thing pretty much everyone agreed on was that couples should always talk finance before getting married, signing a lease of opening a joint account.