My Boyfriend Refuses To Marry Me Without A Prenup

A single mother of two contemplates marriage to her boyfriend of a year, who has built substantial wealth but insists on a prenup to protect his pre-marital assets. She sees it as a sign he's preparing for divorce, making the union feel unsafe, especially after sharing those fears and getting a response that left her feeling undervalued.

The Caller's Background and Core Concern

Beth, 36, has been a single mom for 11 years after a six-year first marriage that ended just before her first child's birth. Her children are now 11 and 3; neither shares a father with her boyfriend. This would be his first marriage; he has no kids and has accumulated significant assets—Beth estimates over $10 million total, though he cited about $2 million in retirement, savings, and similar holdings. He wants the prenup to shield all current assets from division in a potential divorce, arguing it wouldn't be fair for her to claim half of what he's built alone.

Beth understands the financial logic but resists because it frames marriage around exit strategies. At 36, with kids to protect, she'd rather stay single than risk a short marriage and another divorce. She told him directly it feels unsafe, like he's planning for failure.