Will_Newsome comments on (Virtual) Employment Open Thread - Less Wrong

35 Post author: Will_Newsome 23 September 2010 04:25AM

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Comment author: Will_Newsome 24 September 2010 12:40:09AM 6 points [-]

I think I could probably get that to happen if I tried for a few months to a year. What's the next step? Move in together and not pay any of the rent? I have a girl in Berkeley who I could move in with for free now, but she likes me a lot more than I like her, and I think I'd feel way too guilty about that.

(I'm not really that interested in getting money; I volunteer/intern for SIAI which allows me to live comfortably. But I empathize with the counterfactual me that didn't have that option, or the possible future where my skills are no longer useful to SIAI. Therefore, more knowledge is good.)

Comment author: Zvi 24 September 2010 10:48:54PM 6 points [-]

Unless you are deceiving her in some way, my suggestion is to try and find a way to not feel guilty about this. That doesn't mean do it, since it might still not be worth it, but you have nothing to feel guilty about.

I have been in a situation. I have liked a girl a lot more than she liked me, known this and asked her to move in with me (rent free) anyway. I had the ability to do so, and I valued our time together and the chance to try for something more. It didn't work out, but I don't resent her or regret it. Given another chance I'd do it again.

Comment author: Apprentice 24 September 2010 10:27:24AM 6 points [-]

What's the next step? Move in together and not pay any of the rent?

Yeah, basically. In my case:

  • In-laws provided us with a rent-free place to live (their basement).
  • In-laws paid all tuition fees for my wife.
  • In-laws paid for a relatively lavish wedding.
  • In-laws generously helped with the down-payment on our current place.
  • In-laws frequently give us stuff.

While I don't mind, and in fact prefer, being bossed around by my wife - even I sometimes resent the degree of influence my in-laws have on our life. I can imagine that for someone less docile or more proud this would be a source of conflict.

I am passionately in love with my wife and have been since she first kissed me. I did not have to face the situation where an affluent girl has a crush on me and I'm not that into her - I wouldn't want to make any particular recommendations for that situation :)