Facebook Co-Founder Proposes to Boyfriend

There's an old saying: Rich or poor, it's nice to have money. Chris Hughes is only 27, but he has money. Lots and lots of money. He's also very smart, talented, good-looking and a dedicated political and gay activist. And now he has a partner whom he hopes to marry -- but not until they can do so legally in New York State.

The New York Post broke the news of Hughes' engagement on its famous gossipy "Page Six." Hughes, the paper reported, announced his engagement at the "sprawling Soho loft" he shares with Sean Eldridge.

Eldridge is the political director of Freedom to Marry, the major organization fighting for gay marriage in all 50 states. Based in New York, it was founded by Evan Wolfson, considered the elder statesman of the movement. Eldridge had served as a senior advisor to Barack Obama's election bid back in 2008.

Hughes, whose straw-blond hair and boyish good looks makes him look even more youthful than 27, was the roommate of Mark Zuckerberg, the famous founder of Facebook (played by Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network). He also played a key role in Obama's campaign.

Most recently, he is the founder of Juno.com, another social networking site, this one dedicated to connecting people interested in doing good works.

Hughes' net worth is estimated far north of $500 million. When Hughes announced the engagement, it was at an event he and Eldridge were hosting for the New York City Reception in Support of Freedom To Marry, the Post reported.

"This is very timely for Chris and I to have you here tonight to celebrate marriage and work on marriage," Eldridge said. "We got engaged two weeks ago, so there is a real sense of urgency."

The two decided to solidify their relationship on a trip to overseas, he added. We were in Thailand in a hotel room in the north. We were delayed after two days in the snowstorm and Chris got down on one knee and proposed. It was very traditional and very sweet," Eldridge told the paper. "We've been together for five years now."