Ive been in a relationship with my boyfriend for two years now. He recently proposed, and of course I said yes. Still, I found it odd that he wasn’t keen on us moving in together right away.
He lived in his parents’ three-bedroom flat in Manchester, while I was staying in a student hall. I personally believe its important for couples to live together before marriage; you get to truly know one another and work out if youre compatible. I mentioned this to my fiancé, but he brushed it off as if he didnt quite understand. Then, by a stroke of luck, his parents went away for a fortnight, so we got the chance to stay together in their flat.
I tried my best to be the picture of a perfect homemaker: cooking, tidying up, keeping everything immaculate and organised. Each day, I delighted him with homemade treats and made every effort to please him.
But there was one sticking point. I asked him if he could hoover the flat, and he flat out refused, claiming it was womens work. He insisted that in his family, the man is responsible for providing, not for giving his wife a hand with chores. I decided not to argue, thinking things might change once we had our own place.
Before his parents returned, Id polished the flat so it was sparkling clean. I wanted to make a good impression, so I baked a cake, made a nice dinner, and then headed back home.
The next day, James told me his mum wasnt at all pleased with me. Apparently, she thought I was a poor hostess. I was shocked. The flat had been much messier when I first visited, so why did she speak poorly of me? She didnt even appreciate my baking, saying she found it unpalatable. I felt so insulted!
I suspect she doesnt want her son to move out, and perhaps she thinks there are better matches for him. Why else do I think this? Because since his parents returned, James has grown distant, barely speaking or seeing me. Honestly, I dont think there will be a wedding anymore.
Whats your opinion?
