I'm not sure if this has been discussed here before or not, but I thought I'd chime in:

Avoid men who use that phrase.

First of all, it's very juvenile. I may not want to own a clothes steamer, kitchen sponges or a toothbrush, but I need these things. I don't need a dishwasher or washing machine, but these things make my life a lot easier. A lot of purchases both for items and services, are either practical, they make life easier or they make life safer.

Buying good furniture that's made to last is an investment. Wearing nice clothes is an investment, for your job, social status and opportunities to attract a mate as well. You don't have to spend money on labels or brands for either of these things, but valuing a "thing" often makes your life easier, better or it opens opportunities.

Things can also be experiences. A simple example-- I enjoy painting and drawing. If I buy a sketchbook, even an expensive sketchbook with only 20 pages-- I can get 20 experiences out of that sketchbook.

When women say "experiences not things" it usually is a case of "I should shop less on Amazon" or whatever, when men say it, he's basically disclosing that he's a bum. They're trying to use the hippie woke feel good nature of "experiences not things" to minimize women's expectations.

Don't expect nice things. Don't even expect things. Things like a mortgage, engagement ring, life insurance, dental insurance, etc are also off the table. Just expect experiences. Most likely the experience of entertaining him at his beck and call, validating his delusions and general coasting at his whim, and all on your dime.