My SO adds very little to our relationship. She has a dead end job. I cook. I work. I oversee finances. I plan trips. She doesn’t have a voice in the relationship. I’ve asked her to give her perspective but she always defaults to mine bc she thinks I’m smarter/worldly. She feels intimated by me and my social circle. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking for her. Anticipating her wants and needs and then adjusting my behavior to meet them. Which she appreciates but it’s frustrating 29M 27F

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I've been this girl in relationships. I was with a guy who had strong preferences around everything and I let him take the lead on decisions.

I was working a low-paying job that I was overqualified for but didn't think I deserved better. I put this guy on a pedestal and didn't feel empowered to have a voice in the relationship (self-esteem and confidence issues). He was highly educated and had a prestigious and well-paying job and I also felt like he was a more logical, grounded and thoughtful person so would make better decisions than me (again, pedestal-ing).

It took me a lot of time to find my voice in relationships. It can be discouraging and anxiety-inducing if my partner is like, "Hey I've been making all the decisions. You decide the next few things". Some people actually struggle with making decisions, especially when there are a ton of options. Maybe you could present a set of options to her and then have her have the final say so it feels more like a collaborative decision? This will slowly help her feel more empowered and since you're narrowed it down to a few options, she knows these are "approved" by you already.

E.g. "What do you want to eat today?"
"Hmm. I would be very happy with Thai, Japanese or Italian. I haven't had any of those in a while. How about you pick one of those cuisines and we can research some restaurants together?"

helpful

It sounds like you’re started to feel resentment about her lack of agency in the relationship. Have you talked to her about this? Perhaps with your more demanding job, she feels she has to accommodate your work/travel schedule and wants to defer to you on vacations, etc.

At a bare minimum, ask her how you can help her be a more active participant in / contributor to the relationship.

Also, have you discussed whether she aspires to be a full-time mom? Will she take a more active role in raising kids, cleaning up after them, managing their day to day schedules, arranging their education and social lives, etc?

likesmart

Do you even enjoy being together? Doesn’t sound like it by this post.

likehelpful

What happens when she does take ownership?

Do you change the plan b/c you have a better one? Could that be intimidating her at all?

Maybe she just sees you enjoying being in charge and doesn't want to ruin it for you?

Maybe when she makes a suggestion you iterate on that suggestion and that makes her feel like it wasn't any good even though it was, but being a consultant we just can't leave something alone (MUST HAVE ITERATION r/s).

There's a lot of maybes here. Overall it sounds like you guys need to have a chat.

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So many things in life are about ones perspective.

You share your perspective above.

What would her perspective be? Would she describe things the same way?

This isn't intended to cause you to be defensive. I simply think it's helpful to step back and ensure you are being self aware of the dynamic between the two of you. It's possible she views things a little differently and understand that can be the key and step one to evolving and making the relationship better for both of you.

Good luck!

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Why don’t you encourage her to take on some of these tasks? Just assign some of these tasks to her. You can say “i’ll let you plan the next trip and we’ll follow your itinerary this time” or “you can cook M/W/F” etc. Maybe she lacks the confidence but she’ll gain it back if you show some support. Be patient and let her do it. It may not be perfect the first time but try to help her instead of doing it on her behalf.

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What that mouth do

funny

Maybe she isn't contributing as she has had learned of someones bad experience before , many girls have fear of contributing in relationships or voicing out as society will call them.dominant ... But depends where she is from..Try to talk this out with her ask if she has any fears... and say you want to do something for her and take her opinions....

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Need advice and help.

I have realized I grew up in a household where my dad did not treat my mom as an equal. He belittles her, is rude and convinced his way is the only way.

It is painful to say, but some of this shows up in me and in my relationship. I am starting to catch myself, and it to me seems to be more of a reaction than anythjng that is ever intentional.

Wondering if anyone has dealt with something similar, and any success in making changes besides therapy. Cont. in comments

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