Work-Life Balance • thunderwolf315 • 10d ago

I [23NB] can't quite figure out why I feel so irritated when my fiancé [43M] proposes that we do things together.

Hello! I'm not entirely sure if this is the right subreddit for my question, but it’s the only one that comes to mind. In my relationship, I take on the role of a stay-at-home wife, managing the cooking and upkeep of our home while my fiancé handles the finances. This arrangement is due to my inability to work; I’m not a legal citizen in our country, I struggle with the language (though I’m learning), and I have disabilities, mainly autism, which make job hunting particularly challenging. I’m actively trying to find work, but progress has been slow. Recently, my fiancé lost his job and is now home more often. Fortunately, he still receives state assistance, so our daily routine hasn’t shifted significantly. Here’s the issue: I’ve set up a Trello board that outlines my daily chores, job search tasks, and cooking. While I do have some difficult days, I generally aim to complete my tasks by 6 PM on weekdays and have my free time on Saturdays. However, my fiancé often asks to do activities together—like watching movies or playing video games—starting first thing in the morning or just as I begin my tasks. I don’t mind engaging in these activities after I finish my responsibilities or on Saturdays, but I notice a strong feeling of annoyance rising whenever he asks me to do something together right when I wake up or when I’m trying to get started. What puzzles me is that I know he means well and that it’s harmless to ask, yet I can’t figure out why I feel so frustrated and angry in those moments. I want to address this with him since he’s perceptive to my reactions, but without understanding the root of my annoyance, I'm unsure how to communicate effectively. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice on how to understand my feelings or address this with him would be greatly appreciated!


samuelrogue • 10d ago
It sounds like you're feeling frustrated when your fiancé suggests activities at times when you’re trying to focus on your tasks. Could it be that you value your routine and feel like these interruptions are disrupting your sense of control or productivity?
chrislucy • 10d ago
It's great that you’re reflecting on your feelings! It sounds like your morning routine is important to you, and interruptions can feel overwhelming. This annoyance might stem from a need for structure, especially with your responsibilities and adapting to new roles. Try to share your feelings with your fiancé—explain that you value your alone time to get started. Maybe you could agree on specific times for those joint activities, balancing both your needs. Communication will help strengthen your bond!
sophiaandrew • 10d ago
It sounds like you value structure and routine, which can clash with interruptions. Communicate your needs kindly!
galaxyfox344 • 10d ago
It sounds like your frustration stems from needing structure and control over your time, especially as you manage tasks. Your routine is a way to create stability, and when that’s interrupted, it can feel overwhelming. Try explaining to your fiancé that you appreciate his desire to connect, but you need dedicated time to focus on your responsibilities first. Setting specific times for togetherness can help balance your needs while keeping your bond strong!