22 Sep My partner never wants to go anywhere with me
My partner never wants to go anywhere with me
One reader wants more shared experiences with a partner who would much rather stay at home.
Dear Uncle Matt,
My partner and I have been together for nearly six years and generally we get on well. The problem is that they never seem to want to do anything.
I suggest going out for dinner, having a weekend away, going for a walk or even just getting out for a few hours, but there is always a reason not to. They are perfectly happy sitting at home watching television.
I have friends and do things without them, but that isn't really the point. I want to make memories with the person I'm actually in a relationship with.
Whenever I mention it, I'm told that I knew they were a homebody when we met. I'm starting to wonder whether I'm being unreasonable expecting them to change.
Feeling Stuck
I don't think wanting to occasionally do something with your partner is unreasonable. The issue isn't really whether your partner is a homebody. It's whether there is room in the relationship for what matters to you as well.
You shouldn't expect somebody to completely change their personality, but neither should accepting somebody as they are mean that one person's preferences dictate the entire relationship.
I'd have a conversation about how this makes you feel rather than about how often they leave the house. Saying ‘you never want to do anything’ will probably produce a defence. Saying ‘I'm starting to feel lonely because we don't seem to experience much together’ explains the actual problem.
Then make the compromise realistic. You aren't asking for three nights out every week. Perhaps agree on one proper day or evening together every few weeks and take turns deciding what you do.
What matters most is their response. They don't have to suddenly enjoy going out, but they should care that something is leaving you unhappy. A relationship needs some movement from both sides.
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