Love Is Blind exes Virginia Miller and Devin Buckley’s awkward prenup conversation was a tough watch for fans — but how and when exactly should couples go about having these talks? Etiquette expert Mariah Grumet exclusively spoke to Us Weekly to share some tips.
Viewers will recall watching as Virginia and Devin got to know each other better throughout Love Is Blind season 8, but there were some topics they just didn’t see eye to eye about.
“I wanna be a millionaire,” Virginia shared in episode 8, emphasizing her hopes for financial freedom to Devin.
Though this was something they could both agree on, things grew a bit tense once it was time to talk personal finances. Once on the topic, they shared their interest in home ownership and shared bank accounts before the P-word was brought up.
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Virginia first tested the waters during their conversation, sharing, “I think I would be most comfortable with just having separate accounts. Even a prenup.”
“I never really thought about that, so I’d have to think about that more,” Devin tensely admitted, bringing the pair to a standstill. Virginia went on to crack a couple jokes, hoping to lighten the mood. But ultimately, the tension makes the scene a difficult watch — and that’s why Us turned to Grumet to figure out when partners should have the delicate conversation.
Prenuptial agreements should be discussed “as early as the time in which you begin discussing the potential of marriage,” Grumet told Us. “Although the conversation might feel uncomfortable, upfront communication is not only fair and considerate to your partner but will also set a healthy communication expectation within your relationship early on to help avoid any potential financial misunderstandings.”
The etiquette expert shares that according to surveyed Venmo users, open communication is incredibly important starting at the beginning of a relationship, making Virginia’s openness admirable. So while the initial LiB conversation left many viewers cringing, it’s “a good example of an early money conversation that should take place to help you establish expectations for healthy communication from the start of your relationship,” says Grumet.
The couple later revisited the conversation — with some extra guests. Devin brought Virginia home to meet the family, and they shared their thoughts about the prenup with the pair.
This is an absolute no, said Grumet. “This is a conversation best kept between the two people in the relationship,” she explained. While your partner can choose to discuss the topic with their family, “that is their prerogative.” But Grumet ultimately believes that in order to build healthy communication, it’s a conversation best kept between the two in the relationship.
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