Expert warns DINK couples over long-term impact of lifestyle

The fiery debate about DINK relationships is well and truly in full swing online.

Half of social media are launching a campaign to get their partner to convert to the lifestyle, the rest are completely outraged by the idea of it - and a small few are still just completely baffled by the acronym.

If you're not up to speed with the latest couple controversy, it all started when a woman shared a TikTok video with her man explaining the many benefits which supposedly come with a DINK relationship.

Lilly Anne and her husband Evan told people they treat themselves to lavish meals after work each night and have plenty of disposable income.

They never scrimp on selecting their favourite snacks at Costco and the pair count attending football games or playing golf as their top priorities.

On paper, this looks like a pretty sweet set up for most people.

But a DINK relationship isn't for everyone - as many social media users expressed in the comment section of the clip.

Lilly Anne and her husband Evan have sparked a fiery debate online about DINK relationships. TikTok/@lillyanne_

One said: "They're in their 20s, time humbles and changes everyone in their hedonism."

Another wrote: "Imagine a 2000 year bloodline ending because someone wanted more snacks from Costco."

A third added: "Short-term thinking."

So, what exactly is a DINK relationship and why is it so controversial?

DINK is simply an acronym that stands for ‘Dual Income, No Kids’ - so if both you and your significant work and don't have any children, congratulations - you're in the club.

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These modern households often have disposable income - as referenced by Lilly Anne and Evan - as they don’t have the added expense that comes with having children.

The moniker can also be given to married couples who are usually expected to have children but would prefer to spend their hard-earned cash on themselves instead.

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According to Bustle, the acronym was first popularised in 1987.

At the time, a Los Angeles Times article investigated the term and credited the rise of DINKs as a way for baby boomers to 'beat inflation and income stagnation'.

But despite the supposed benefits, an expert has warned people to be wary of the long-term impacts of living this kind of lifestyle.

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Personal finance expert Dr Roger Gewolb told the Daily Mail that opting to live a child-free life doesn't always end up paying off in the long run.

He explained: "Of course there's an immediate financial benefit to not having kids. But down the line, it's important to think about later life care and who's going to look after you when you're older.

"It'd be interesting to see what these DINKs think of their decision in 10 to 12 years."

Dr Gewold said people should make sure they decide to have or not have kids for the right reasons.

Little ones are for life, not just for Christmas - but you can always reconsider if a DINK relationship is still for you a little bit further down the line.

The expert added: "Ultimately, having children is an emotional decision not a financial one.

"And it's important to know that couples can always change their mind - they can enjoy the DINK lifestyle while they're young and then they can always consider children at a later date."