Dear Kiss & Tell: What do I do when my boyfriend’s job isn’t as lucrative or high-profile as mine? My guy doesn’t say much when I talk about my job or accomplishments. He just sorta sits there and listens. How am I supposed to be proud of my accomplishments while not rubbing it in his face? I’m worried that this could have some impact on our relationship.

Damon says: I think that you are projecting what you’re scared could happen to your relationship. Instead, you should focus on what you have. You should not assume that he might leave because he isn’t as responsive to your “work talk” as you would hope that he would be.

Sure, there’s a chance that your guy feels slightly emasculated because you make more money than he does. But you’re not accounting for the possibility that he may just not care to hear the minutiae of your daily work life to the degree that you wish to share it. He may not care that you make more money than he does and is happy for you.

That’s definitely possible because he’s still with you, and the only thing you’ve said is a potential issue is that he “listens” to you talk about your accomplishments and doesn’t say much in response.

I’m sure you prefer a listening boyfriend to one you have to repeat yourself to constantly. I’d be willing to bet that he’s proud of your professional achievements, and if you were to ask him, he’d tell you that.

The notion that you might be “rubbing it in his face” means that you should take a look at what you’re doing.

Unless he’s getting up and walking out of the house and coming back sloppy drunk after you’ve told him about a promotion, you should refocus your energy on the positive aspects of your relationship and be happy for what you have.

Pamela says: I know plenty of women who make more money than their men. They worked hard to get where they are, and they’re proud of it. You should be, too. When you talk about work, you’re talking about what’s going on in your life. That’s part of being in a relationship. You’re not rubbing his nose in anything.

But it might be hard on his ego to see his woman making more and having more career success. He might feel as if he should be the one bringing home the bacon. A lot of guys feel that way.

That can weigh on your relationship, but you can work past it.

The important thing to ask yourself is, do you care that he’s less successful than you? Do you see yourself in a long-term commitment with this guy?

If money doesn’t matter to you, tell him that. Then ask him if it bothers him when you talk about work. Ask him if it bothers him that you make more money.

Then tell him it bothers you when he doesn’t say anything about your work. Tell him you need to be able to count on him for more encouragement and support.

If he cares about you, he’ll make more of an effort — even if it means getting over his own issues.