I have to say though that just because you have seperate accounts does not mean that you are not committed to each other!!
Kate
I didn't mean that. I read back my post and realise that this is how people my read it though, sorry Really didn't mean to offend anyone.

All I meant is that in a committed relationship there is a joint financial responsibility and accessability. Having seperate accounts isn't the issue - It is the 'attitude' of 'I earned this money, I deserve it, and I am being gracious sharing any of it with you'. I know couples some with families, who keep finances completely seperate - they put in for 'their' share much as you would with a flatmate. And when I look at these couples you can see that there are real cracks in their relationship. They are so concerned with what is 'theirs' that they have created a wall (intentionally or not) between themselves.

Having an 'allowance' or such that you can spend on yourself without having to justify yourself to your partner, can be a good thing - you are both adults after all. But both parties should be in agreement about that 'allowance' (probably more accurate to say allocation) and I don't think it is the same as keeping you money seperate.

I think it goes towards more then just the cash in the bank too. When you are in a committed relationship one persons debt is the debt of the other partner too, even if it is in one persons name, both share the responsibility.

Does that make sense?