This I get. I do have a little bit of resentment about being a young man living poverty (that's on me). While you at least had the option of dating up, I didn't. When I was poor, I just couldn't date. It took me 10 years to complete a 4 year degree (I had to go part time so I could work to pay for my living expenses) and I lived in section 8 housing and rode the bus to work and school. I was considered by most of the women my age as a loser. I wouldn't have been able to ask them out anyway, because I couldn't afford to pay for the date. Eventually, I graduated and got a good paying job and thus was able to start paying for dates. I hope my son can experience love and dating before 30 without trading in his future.

I don't know you and I shouldn't make assumptions on your dating preferences. Women tend to look for men that are financially stable, were that isn't as important for men. Today, I understand why most women do that, and it's not "gold-digging".