Guidance on Setting Relationship Boundaries (32M)
I'm seeking some advice from this community. First, I want to clarify that I hope this post isn't seen as having any negative sentiments toward a particular group, gender, or anything of the sort. I lead a quiet life and prefer to mind my own business. Although I was raised in a more conservative environment, I don't pass judgment on others for being who they are; I believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect. I’m a 32-year-old man, and my girlfriend, who is also 32, and I have been in a serious relationship for over a year. We have a strong connection and make each other very happy. A few months ago, we started discussing some important topics, including boundaries and what we consider acceptable or off-limits. While we both tend to hold moderate views—though I lean slightly to the right and she leans a bit to the left in social matters—our conversations have been constructive. In November, we talked about our thoughts on bachelor and bachelorette parties and the activities that accompany them. I mentioned that I would never go to a strip club because I see that as a form of cheating. I also expressed my discomfort with the drag scene; while I don't judge others for enjoying it, it’s simply not my thing. During our discussion, she assured me that if a bachelorette party involved any elements of drag or stripping, she would excuse herself. Fast forward to last weekend: she attended a bachelorette party for one of her friends and informed me that they went to a drag restaurant for dinner. Although this isn’t a strip club, it still made me uncomfortable, particularly since she had previously stated she wouldn’t attend such events. She later texted me, mentioning that other girls in the group interacted with the performers. When I asked if she participated, she said she only handed them money, which the group had pooled together. While others danced with the performers, she didn’t specify if she did. She met up with some old friends during her trip, and I understand her desire to fit in and not feel excluded. However, we haven’t discussed this since her return. I don’t want to bottle up my feelings, so I’m looking for suggestions on how to express my concerns without coming off as controlling. I genuinely want to give her the benefit of the doubt and consider that she might have simply forgotten our discussion about boundaries, though I find it hard to believe she would overlook our conversation. Should I just let this go since she is an adult, and it seems like there’s nothing to hide on her part? We generally communicate well, but I still feel uneasy about the situation. I appreciate any thoughts you have. Thank you!