Sofia Vergara calls dating someone with less money a ‘nightmare’ — here’s what 3 therapists say

Sofia Vergara knows exactly what she's looking for in a man.

The Modern Family actress sat down for an interview on the Today show this May 14, when she spilled details about what she wants in a man. Speaking with hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Erin Andrews, she said:

"I want to say the basic stuff, like health and somebody that loves me. And somebody tall, handsome." She added, "I want somebody that has as much money as me or more, because if not, it's a nightmare. They end up resenting you. And I want somebody fun. I need fun in my life."

Sofia Vergara tied the knot twice in her life. She first married Joe Gonzales, the father of her son Manolo. She then married Joe Manganiello, though in July 2023, seven years later, they announced they were parting ways. According to the Men's Journal, Vergara claimed it was because they didn't see eye to eye when it came to having children.

"My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn’t want to be an old mom," Vergara explained. "I feel it’s not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that’s not for me anymore."

Can Sofia Vergara's opinions be backed by Science? Business Insider's experts weigh in:

As reported by The Business Insider, therapists agree with Sofia Vergara's sentiments, acknowledging that an income disparity can culminate in hostility between partners.

Lami Ronit, a wealth psychologist who practices in California and London, told the outlet that such issues run deeper than most realize, especially when there are gender expectations involved.

“Women who are the higher earners often face a double standard,” said Ronit. “They’re expected to succeed, but not so much that it threatens traditional gender roles. Men, on the other hand, are typically socialized to feel more comfortable being the financial provider," Ronit said.

When said roles are reversed, both partners experience distress. While women feel like they have to downplay their successes, men feel inadequate or egoistic, she added. Matt Lundquist, who founded and serves as the clinical director of Tribeca Therapy, which is a psychotherapy center based in New York, also told the outlet:

"While it might seem that wealth invites ease — and in many ways it can and should — it also becomes a space where individuals' histories with money and gender expectations play out."

Dana McNeil, a relationship therapist cum founder of The Relationship Place, based in San Diego, also chimed in to concur. She explained that such tensions often arise when the wealthier partner feels like they are entitled to the onus of making all the financial decisions.

“Many wealthy partners may perceive they are entitled to exert more control in the relationship about how money is spent,” she said. “This can create a parent–child dynamic that leads to a loss of autonomy for the financially dependent partner.”

At the time of writing, it remains unclear if Sofia Vergara is dating someone.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback