Meriel Sophie6 months agoHow can I (F24) get my bf (M24) to help me cope with his culture? My boyfriend's family immigrated to my country when he was a tween, due to an economic crisis in his home-country. They have been living here since. Now him and me live together. I love his culture, and its cuisine - but it has its problems. My biggest problem is how meat-oriented the cuisine is. I am not a vegetarian, but I find myself grossed out having meat in my mouth. I have a handful of "safe" meats I can eat. Despite this quirk, I have tried everything I have been served in his country, and a lot of it tastes amazing. I just can't eat it because I gag and lose my appetite knowing it's meat. My bf knows this well. His parents respects that, and let me eat only sides - even cook "safe" meat just for me. His extended family, however, have no understanding or respect for this. They will not serve alternatives, and they talk a loudly and negatively about my childish palate. They get offended when I order takeout to satiate my hunger (e.g. had to go out for kebabs after Christmas dinner last year, which they still talk about). My BF gives me little to no help with this. At the dinner table, he is typically the first to make a joke about my eating, and bring attention to my empty plate. He knows very well I struggle a lot with this, even in my home country, yet he shows little understanding. It's particularly difficult, as I can't communicate with his family without him translating. It has come to the point where I don't want to travel to his home country, because of my anxiety around meals. I have tried bringing this up to my BF, but he rolls his eyes, tells me to grow up, or just ignore my complaints all together. I can't make him understand how serious I am. How can I better communicate my need for him to step up for me around the dinner table with his family?412
Meriel Sophie6 months agoI can stop wondering if I(25f) did the right thing breaking up with a decent guy(28M)? I (25F) dated a guy for 2 years (28M) who was nice, hardworking, and simple. However, we never truly connected. Early on, I felt like we didn't get each other, and even my natural behaviors would spark fights. As time went on, he started putting in less effort, citing work troubles that seemed to persist throughout our relationship. He rarely listened when I spoke, prioritized his own desires, and missed basic emotional needs. Specific instances that stood out to me: When I came home drenched in the rain, he didn't even acknowledge my state, let alone offer to help me get warm and dry. He always wanted to do things his way, whether it was choosing vacation spots, restaurants, or activities. He never made an effort to consider my preferences or tastes. He showed no interest in watching movies I enjoyed, and instead would always push for his own choices. We'd fight over incredibly small things, like if I was slightly late. He'd drag out these arguments, refusing to let go. During a pregnancy scare, he was completely absent and un supportive, saying he didn't know how to react. Despite our loving bond and enjoyment of small things, there was always a block. We tried discussing issues, but he'd get defensive, blame me, or just not understand. Eventually, he even suggested we weren't compatible and should just see where things go. I finally broke up with him, and now he's sent multiple letters and emails promising to change and improve. He says things will get better, but I'm unsure. Did I make a mistake by breaking up with him, or was it the right decision? Edit: I'm looking for honest feedback on whether I was too hasty or if his behavior was a sign of deeper issues.112