I’ve been in a relationship with my boyfriend for two years now. He recently proposed to me, and naturally, I accepted. However, I was puzzled by his reluctance to move in together.
He was living in his parents three-bedroom flat in London, while I was staying at a student hall. I firmly believe its important for couples to live together before getting married, so they can get used to each other and see how things really work. I shared this opinion with my fiancé, but he seemed to feign ignorance and brushed it off. Then fate intervenedhis parents had to travel for two weeks, allowing us to finally live together during that period.
Determined to make a good impression, I acted as the ideal partner. I cooked meals, tidied up the flat, and kept everything spotless. Each day, I treated my fiancé with homemade dishes, doing my best to please him.
Yet, there was one issue that cast a shadow over everything. When I asked him to hoover the living room, he replied that housework wasnt a mans job. Apparently, in his family, men only worry about earning money, not helping their wives at home. I didnt argue; I hoped things would change once we were officially living together.
By the time his parents returned, the flat sparkled. I wanted them to have a good impression of me, so I baked a cake and prepared dinner before leaving.
The next day, Sebastian told me his mum wasnt pleased with me. She complained that I wasnt a good housekeeper, which left me shocked because the place had been far messier the first time I visited. Why was she critical? She didnt even appreciate the treats I made and found them unpleasant. I felt genuinely hurt.
I suspect she simply doesnt want her son to move out and is unwilling to accept me. Perhaps she hopes for someone she deems more suitable. Why do I think this? After his parents returned, Sebastian became distant, and now we hardly see or speak to each other. I doubt therell be a wedding after all.
Reflecting on this, I realise that sometimes, love alone cant overcome deep-rooted traditions and expectations. We can only try to be ourselves and hope others accept us, but we cant force anyone to change. Its important to look after your own happiness and not let someone elses opinion overshadow your self-worth.
