Equals...

So I've been dating a guy now for over a year. He says that he wants us to be equal in our relationship, financially (basically he expects me to work which is fine with me.) However it has come to my attention more recently that he believes someone would be the "decision maker" of the family or the "lead" and it would be him. So to say if we had a disagreement about something that he would have the final say so. I guess my question is, what is an equal relationship. I can't discuss some of this without arguing with him. He told me to ask "anybody" that there is always a "natural leader" in any relationship. I believe that if we are equal partners we are just that equal and that we should work together in all aspects of our relationship and family.

What is your opinion? I am trying to settle myself down about this, I am a fairly independent person I've been a single mom for over three years I can't see myself being a submissive person by any means.

Just a funny sidenote: when I asked him why I would have to contribute equally financially he said its because it's not the 50's anymore. Then when I asked why I wouldn't have an equal say so in every aspect of our relationship he said its because he is traditional? Well Which is it?

Dating advice

I am almost 56 and I have a teenage son. I am divorced and have been trying to meet someone for more than four years. I have dated, wealthy men, not so wealthy, creeps mostly. Well, my question is now I met a man that I like and he likes me, but he doesn't have a steady job. He is NOT lazy, the economy has lessened his work load, so we don't go out much at all. I like going out on a Sat. night, but if we don't we stay in and watch tv, now at this age, is it better to have someone your are compatible with and spend time together, or someone that has a better income so I could enjoy myself. As trite as this may sound, I am in the house all day, all week and I do like getting out once in a while.

Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

Sister F