This community is so empowering, thank you

Hello r/frugal! I (26F) recently broke up with my live-in partner (29M) after a long pattern of financial irresponsibility on his part, which culminated in him stealing $200 in cash out of my wallet.

I live well within my means, but throughout our relationship he would judge me for supposedly denying myself nice things (which wasn't true — I treated us to dates, bought him gifts, and occasionally splurged on things for myself). No matter how many times I suggested he save money or stop buying so many clothes or ordering DoorDash, he never listened, and resorted to stealing when he ran out of money.

I've spent the past few days restructuring my budget now that I'm living alone, and I came across this subreddit. It's so encouraging to see so many people with the same mindset as me (and all the creative solutions for saving money!!) Frugality is not stinginess, it's not greed, and it's not self-denial. To me, it's self-sufficiency, independence, and self-respect. I feel very grateful to know I'm not alone in my values.