Tom Stroud from Love Is Blind UK just can’t seem to stop spreading his views on finance in relationships after it became the highlight of his time on the show. His reasoning for leaving Maria at the altar was that he wasn’t sure their values around money would align, and now he’s doubled down on his beliefs by literally writing an article about it for Grazia. I think we get it Tom!

The piece released today was titled “I stand by my belief that women should pay their way”, with the tagline “I have no regrets about what I said on the show.” He really is standing firm with the opinions he expressed on the show.

via Netflix

Tom firstly brought out some facts, including a Forbes divorce rate which states 38 per cent of couples in the US divorce due to financial problems. Not sure how relevant that is to UK couples but at least he did some research I guess.

He did discuss the origins of his beliefs, such as that being “raised by a single mum who had to take on the ‘provider’ role” made him see women as “financially independent” and also “create a beautiful environment to raise children.” I’m sure he means well by that but let’s not romanticise the double burden babes.

However, in his defence, he did say that he would “pick up the bill” on a first date, but not because of gender, because “I’ve asked that person out and it’s a nice gesture.” He also said that couples should “contribute proportionately depending on our incomes.”

He described the view of women staying home and men working as “archaic” and not a “successful modern relationship”, and expressed his desire to spread household and career responsibilities equally.

via Netflix

Now, he isn’t just fully self-praising: He acknowledged his “judgemental” behaviour towards Maria’s profession and confessed that “I made that judgement without fully understanding what a rewarding career it can be.”

When he thought about the next steps, he said that he’d love to see “a section on dating apps where you state your views on finances – it might save a lot of pain in the long run!” Thinking about the changing landscape of relationship gender roles, this might not be a half bad idea.

All in all, it seems like he’s actually got some pretty reasonable points. He explained that “the reality of our situation was a lot more nuanced than that, but it sparked huge conversation online, and not all positive.” He also mentioned that he’d been called “stingy, tight and a princess”, to which he responded “my tiara has been in the loft for a while.”

We definitely know how reality TV can make things seem a way bigger deal than they actually are, so it’s no surprise that Tom felt like his finance views were greatly exaggerated on Love Is Blind UK. Can’t blame the guy for wanting to set his record straight!