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I met him at a friends’ gathering. In real life, he’s easy to talk to, works a regular office job, and earns just enough to live in the city. But when I look at his social media, the person I know seems almost unrecognizable.

He often shares photos of fancy restaurants with captions like “Life is meant to be enjoyed.” One evening, our meal was humble pho, but on his profile, he posted a photo of a pricey Italian place using an old image. When I asked, he just laughed: “It’s social media—it has to look glamorous.”

On a budget trip to Nha Trang in Central Vietnam, we stayed at a mid-range hotel, but his photos focused on the pool with golden lighting, with captions implying a five-star stay. Friends commented, calling him a “secret tycoon,” while I felt uneasy.

In reality, he often borrows small amounts of money from me—sometimes a few hundred thousand to a few million VND (US$3.8 per VND100,000)—claiming he’s “short at the end of the month.” Yet shortly after, I’d see him flaunting new shoes or a watch “ordered” from Europe. Whether he actually bought them or just borrowed images, it leaves me exhausted. I want a partner who is simple, who lives within his means, instead of constantly performing for others.

I’ve tried to give feedback, warning that these exaggerated portrayals create unrealistic expectations and pressure. He says I’m old-fashioned and don’t understand trends, and that this is how he gains friends. If I press the issue, he ignores my messages and calls. In real life, we still share peaceful moments, but every time he edits photos or writes captions to make life look fancier, I feel a growing distance between us.

I wonder if I’m being too strict, or if I should just let him express himself online as entertainment. What bothers me is that family and close friends tease me about “enjoying fancy meals,” while others are impressed or jealous, assuming I have a wealthy boyfriend. Sometimes I question whether I should continue this relationship—or if he can ever change.

What should I do?