OK.  I may get stick for this but who cares...

Firstly, Money is important.  If you don't have any or don't make enough, how can you survive yourself, never mind looking after your spouse or children.

Secondly, status comes with respect, and respect is earned through things you do (i.e. charity), achieve (i.e. work) and possibly say (i.e. standing up for what you believe in or standing up for your spouse)

Finally relationships, if you don't currently love and respect yourself how can you expect someone to love and respect you.  hence, how can you hold a relationship?

They shouldn't be too important, but money and status does count, if only to demonstrate that you are striving to better yourself one way or another.

btw, if you are more qualified than your female friend, how is it that you earn less.  is it because you can't be bothered to try and better yourself?

My post may sound a little harsh, and I apologise if I've upset you, but you seem a little too sensitive already for a man of your age.