My boyfriend [22/M] wants me [22/F] to stop participating in my favorite sports

I just read your post out loud to my artist boyfriend and he shouted, "What a PRICK! I don't know her, but she can do better. God, I bet his art sucks."

Paint fades. Sculptures crumble. NOTHING in life is permanent and if athletics make you feel happy and fulfilled and set your soul on fire, please don't let ANY man stand in your way.

My bf is an artist. I'm an athlete, sort of. Our situation's a little different than yours because he legitimately enjoys physical activity, and rides a bike just like I do. So the idea that the two are mutually exclusive is fucking stupid, but anyway. His passion for athletics definitely isn't at the same level as mine, but if I turn on video of a bike race or the Olympics, he will watch it even if he's not terribly crazy about it. Because that's what being a supportive partner is about. He knows it makes me happy to watch, and he likes seeing me happy! A partner who loves and respects you should be THRILLED to see your eyes light up like that. I can't even imagine how I would react if he shushed me, but it would not be pretty.

I find art museums dreadfully boring. But I go with him anyway because I want to support him in everything he does, and I know it makes him happy for me to be there. I will admit that sometimes my eyes glaze over when he's telling me about some obscure printmaking process or something like that, but I try my best to stay engaged. I am never going to have the same interest in art as he does, but that's okay. I would never denigrate his passions or act like sports are somehow superior.

You're not asking this guy to become an expert on snowboarding, you just want to feel like he supports you and your goals. That's not too much to ask of a partner and it's definitely a dealbreaker. You've put so much effort into learning about his hobbies; it's only fair that he put some effort into understanding why yours are important to you. You've already wasted a year of your life on this guy...please don't waste another. He needs to understand that this is a serious problem that needs immediate attention, or you're moving on.

/r/relationships Thread