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Managing relationships

Relationship vs family

Relationship vs family

Hi I’m typing here for the first time to seek some advice about something that has been bothering me lately. To start of my partner has a very different family dinamic to mine, they don’t often spend nearly as much time together as me and my family do. My family and I have a very close connection and will often go out to spend time together like having dinner together.

Where I’m currently stuck, my partner doesn’t like socialising or spending time with my family which is understandable he’s his own person and that’s completely fine. However we live together and there are days where I want to spend time with my sister yet he doesn’t want to be around for when they are. I’m struggling and feel mentally broken because I feel like I’m being forced to pick between spending time with my partner or family, idk how to go about this because neither option will make me happy as I know someone’s missing out regardless. Please give me any advice, I’d appreciate anyone’s advice or opinion on this situation and how best to handle it. Thank you.

18 replies

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In response to: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

Stepping into his shoes, if there was a family event, I would want to know when the 'end' time is. That is, when he can go home. I find this helpful when I'm navigating social situations I'm not very interested in. @Max01 Hence the boundaries.

In response to: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

Thank you for your advice, he doesn’t usually permit me from seeing them it’s only he will constantly ask the time I’m coming home. Which I can understand. I think my biggest problem is upsetting myself trying to please everyone. Thank you

In response to: Re: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

Thank you for this suggestion I might speak with him about how I’m feeling and try to find a viable solutions for the situation. Thank you

In response to: Re: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

I think my biggest problem is upsetting myself trying to please everyone. --- same boat here @Max01 sending you lots of understanding hugs

and also certain times of the year is harder to found that balance then other times of the year

In response to: Re: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

Thank you for the support @Shaz51! I a really appreciate it!

In response to: Re: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family


@Max01 wrote:
Thank you for your advice, he doesn’t usually permit me from seeing them it’s only he will constantly ask the time I’m coming home. Which I can understand. I think my biggest problem is upsetting myself trying to please everyone. Thank you

I assume you meant 'prevent' rather than 'permit'. I would find that a big concern if so. I hope you can work something out @Max01. I know for me visiting my partners family isnt a lot of fun for me... mainly due to my socializing issues and the fact that they generally talk about the same stuff every time! But I do it, because it's my partners family. I could understand if he just didn't go, but pressuring you to not go and/or constantly checking to see when you're coming home just seems a bit over the top and controlling to me. It is supposed to be a partnership and you doing everything to make him happy without and him trying to make you happy is unfair. You deserve to be happy as well. You do some things you don't like to keep him happy and he does some things he doesn't like to keep you happy. That's just the way I've always seen it.

The best of luck to you @Max01

In response to: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

It sounds to me, like maybe this is his problem, not yours. I am sure he knows he is making you feel like you have to choose between him and your family, but the fact is HE is choosing to not be with you when your family is around. He is making his choice. You have nothing to feel bad about.

In response to: Re: Relationship vs family

Re: Relationship vs family

Hi again @Max01

It's really tough on you that your partner keeps harassing about when you should be home when you visit your family - this is coercive control and legally considered abuse.

Only you can make your choices about this - it sounds difficult to me and I am glad you are planning to discuss this with him

I can't know but it would seem to me that he has issues you shouldn't have to deal with - I really feel for you

Still I will let you know - my MIL was never my friend and I let my then-husband visit her without me - even so his mother would ring me with criticism - enough said - my marriage didn't last either

So - relationships are often difficult and choices have to be made for our well-being - the outcomes are not easy either - neither is feeling unhappy because you are unable to please everyone

I care and wish you. all the best

Owlunar

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