Alien culture has evolved such that money is obsolete. Your mate is no doubt struggling to deal with an unfamiliar concept. Your mate often does not want to go out with you, or be seen with you in public. Aliens prefer to be alone, gathering data and writing reports, hoping to get their articles in Alien Science Journals. Your mate has a variety of pets.
Aliens are always curious about Earth's creatures.
Aliens will not however, have too many of one kind of pet, for instance 20 cats. They prefer to watch different species interact. Well there's my list. I hope it helps you out. Your mate snores loudly at about the same time every night.