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Boyfriend doesn't want me sharing a bed with Bestfriend on trip

482 replies

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 21:47

My best friend of around 8 years (we met at uni) has been living abroad for over two years and is finally coming back to the UK next month. I've been so excited to see her. To mark the occasion and make sure we actually get proper quality time together, we booked a little countryside retreat about 4 hours from where I live. Logistics also played a part, as she's coming from visiting family and then jetting off again, so this was the easiest way to make it work. We've had this trip planned for about four months. She made the booking and I was more than happy for her to sort it.
For context, my friend and I have shared a bed completely platonically loads of times over the years. Drunkenly crashing at uni, travelling together as broke backpackers, visiting each other in different cities. It's just never been a thing. So when she booked the room it genuinely didn't occur to me to ask about the bed situation. I'd have been fine with sharing or a twin, it just wasn't a question that entered my head.
It only came up when I was chatting to my boyfriend of nearly two and a half years about the trip. Not the first conversation we've had about it, like I said I've been excited, but this time the topic of rooms came up. He'd assumed we had separate rooms and when I said no, it's one room with a double, his whole mood changed. He said he wasn't comfortable with me sharing a bed with her. I should mention here that my friend happens to be a lesbian, and he knows this. When I asked why it was suddenly an issue, he said it "just feels different" and that he wouldn't share a bed with someone who could potentially be attracted to him, so he didn't see why I would. I tried to explain that we've shared beds plenty of times before, that she's basically family to me, and that she has never once, in eight years, shown even a hint of interest in me like that. He wasn't having it.
He then asked me to at least check if the hotel had twin rooms. I did check, to keep the peace, and there aren't any available. His response was that I need to book a separate room. It's a lot of money and honestly I'm not sure I can afford it, especially for something I don't think is necessary.
The bit that's really bothering me is that I mentioned it to my friend. I told her what he'd said and after some conversation I floated the idea that maybe I should just book the separate room. She went quiet for a second and then said "erm, yeah, okay, if that's what you think's best." There was a definite tone in her voice, like she was holding something back and trying not to cause drama. And now I feel awful. I can't work out if I'm more upset that my boyfriend doesn't seem to trust my judgement, or worried that she's hurt by the inference, because let's be honest, the implication is that because she's gay she can't be trusted to share a bed with a friend, which feels really unfair on her.
I know some people here will use the "what if she was a guy" or "would you be okay with your boyfriend sharing a bed with a straight female friend" argument, and I get why, but I'm honestly not sure it's the same thing. This is someone I've known for nearly a decade with zero history or hint of anything romantic. I don't know how I feel and I don't know what to do. Do I pay for a room I can't really afford to keep my boyfriend happy, or hold my ground and risk a row? And is it unreasonable of me to feel a bit insulted on my friend's behalf?

OP posts:
Jane379 · 28/07/2026 17:38

DaysOfWild · 28/07/2026 15:54

Would you say you fall into "it depends on the sexuality of my partner" (i.e. you as a woman would be comfortable with your straight male partner sharing with a gay male friend because your partner is straight, or you as a man would be comfortable with your gay male partner sharing with a woman because he's gay) or "men are the problem" in that if your partner is male he shouldn't be sharing with anyone regardless of his orientation?

Possibly the best differentiating test would be if your partner was a bisexual woman, would you be happy for her to share a bed with another woman but not a man?!

(The potential rules on this are getting very complicated to the point I'm wondering if my blanket "no sharing with anyone" is subconsciously just for an easy life!😆)

Ha, it is complicated! I would say that overall I'm a mix.

Generally I think it's unlikely that an ostensibly gay man would be having a secret affair with a woman, or an ostensibly straight man having one with a man. Otoh 'down low' man do exist and male bisexuality is more common than often thought.
Men are statistically more likely to cheat in relationships so I suppose that influences my thinking. Otoh if I had a female partner who wanted to share with someone who she could sexuality-wise be compatible with...I think it would depend. Probably I'd be happier if it were a longstanding friend. I do think especially it's unlikely for a male & female friend to be comfortable platonically sharing rooms unless they've had a solid friendship for a pretty long time.

DaysOfWild · 28/07/2026 18:27

Jane379 · 28/07/2026 17:38

Ha, it is complicated! I would say that overall I'm a mix.

Generally I think it's unlikely that an ostensibly gay man would be having a secret affair with a woman, or an ostensibly straight man having one with a man. Otoh 'down low' man do exist and male bisexuality is more common than often thought.
Men are statistically more likely to cheat in relationships so I suppose that influences my thinking. Otoh if I had a female partner who wanted to share with someone who she could sexuality-wise be compatible with...I think it would depend. Probably I'd be happier if it were a longstanding friend. I do think especially it's unlikely for a male & female friend to be comfortable platonically sharing rooms unless they've had a solid friendship for a pretty long time.

Edited

So interesting, thanks.

OP I have massively hijacked your thread for my 'research' which looks like it's going to become my future ice-breaker question at dinner parties...(let's see how many maritals I can cause!) Thank you for your patience!

Itsalittlebitwarm · 28/07/2026 22:27

I presume male friends don't generally share a double bed together but us girls do and have done it throughout our lives!

Me and BFF would top and tail, go travelling and share a single bed at a YH.

Ffs this can't be a real post, although I know I've reacted to, just because I'm pissed!

EvieBB · 28/07/2026 23:30

VointofPiew · 27/07/2026 18:31

Sure. What about if they were in the same sleeping bag?

On a fishing trip....

I don't think OP has mentioned anything about cuddling up close (akin to sharing a sleeping bag)! They're just laying on a large mattress which happens to be on the same bed frame.
I think you're reading too much in to it.....and have an over active imagination....

VointofPiew · 28/07/2026 23:47

EvieBB · 28/07/2026 23:30

I don't think OP has mentioned anything about cuddling up close (akin to sharing a sleeping bag)! They're just laying on a large mattress which happens to be on the same bed frame.
I think you're reading too much in to it.....and have an over active imagination....

This was a response to a comment about a shared tent.

EvieBB · 29/07/2026 10:46

VointofPiew · 28/07/2026 23:47

This was a response to a comment about a shared tent.

No, my DH and brothers did not (or want to) share a sleeping bag. Similarly, OP and her friend do not want to cuddle up either. They are platonic friends.

Ditchthebitch · 29/07/2026 10:51

Jane379 · 28/07/2026 15:06

'Straight guys sleeping together in a bed is not "normal"'

  • I do think there is a sex difference here. There's much more of a taboo about male friends sharing a bed, though it's unfair, so it does make it more likely that there could be an alternate motivation there.

It's much more normalised for 2 female friends to share a bed, so it makes it more likely there's no other motive.

Agree with Velvetandleather's post.

"Banter" has entered the chat.

The things straight men get up to together, especially after drinking, would curdle the milk in most peoples tea. You only have to watch those "We've all gone to Magaluf" type programmes.

Perhaps OPs BF is remembering what he and his male friends got up to while travelling and sharing together, and imagines a similar situation of mutual masturbation and shots of vodka out of each other's naughty places.

If the person you were responding to has any investigative ability, they will soon know how lacking in inhibitions straight men are. It's all bums and willies. Who's is biggest, putting their testicles on each others faces while they're asleep etc. Gayer than even I, as a gay man can muster.

EvieBB · 29/07/2026 10:55

VointofPiew · 27/07/2026 18:31

Sure. What about if they were in the same sleeping bag?

On a fishing trip....

Ha, yes, I might have a different view then lol

EvieBB · 29/07/2026 10:57

Ditchthebitch · 29/07/2026 10:51

"Banter" has entered the chat.

The things straight men get up to together, especially after drinking, would curdle the milk in most peoples tea. You only have to watch those "We've all gone to Magaluf" type programmes.

Perhaps OPs BF is remembering what he and his male friends got up to while travelling and sharing together, and imagines a similar situation of mutual masturbation and shots of vodka out of each other's naughty places.

If the person you were responding to has any investigative ability, they will soon know how lacking in inhibitions straight men are. It's all bums and willies. Who's is biggest, putting their testicles on each others faces while they're asleep etc. Gayer than even I, as a gay man can muster.

Really? Yes, well in that case OP's boyf is probably just projecting ! Ha

Vitany · 29/07/2026 11:33

My DH has had to share a bed/room before with his friends who happens to be gay. My husband isn't gay or bi so there is no reason to feel weird about it. He's not going to suddenly turn gay and develop uncontrollable lust over his mate just because they are staying in the same room. Your bf is being unreasonable. I'd understand him more if there was history between you but clearly isn't.

littlemousebigcheese · 29/07/2026 11:47

My husband has shared a bed with his gay best friend before and I wasn’t bothered in the slightest. They’ve been friends for nearly 30 years, they are like brothers and it never occurred to me to be concerned.

HotGrapefruit · 29/07/2026 11:54

CountFucula · 26/07/2026 22:08

He is controlling and you are mad to give this any headspace at all.
I would share a bed with a friend. He sounds very high handed and I would seriously reconsider the relationship.

I agree with this.

If my husband was sharing a double bed on a spa weekend with his gay best friend, I'd think it was totally weird.

VointofPiew · 29/07/2026 16:59

EvieBB · 29/07/2026 10:46

No, my DH and brothers did not (or want to) share a sleeping bag. Similarly, OP and her friend do not want to cuddle up either. They are platonic friends.

They are in the same bed. That type of proximity is inevitable.

VointofPiew · 29/07/2026 17:02

Ditchthebitch · 29/07/2026 10:51

"Banter" has entered the chat.

The things straight men get up to together, especially after drinking, would curdle the milk in most peoples tea. You only have to watch those "We've all gone to Magaluf" type programmes.

Perhaps OPs BF is remembering what he and his male friends got up to while travelling and sharing together, and imagines a similar situation of mutual masturbation and shots of vodka out of each other's naughty places.

If the person you were responding to has any investigative ability, they will soon know how lacking in inhibitions straight men are. It's all bums and willies. Who's is biggest, putting their testicles on each others faces while they're asleep etc. Gayer than even I, as a gay man can muster.

Yeah I think that's a certain type of straight man, perhaps. Not all straight men engage in that homoerotic behaviour. Or should I actually say, men who aren't bicurious don't feel the need to "test the waters" in that way.

I do know that some men do this. I also know men who are actually straight and totally bewildered by this type of behaviour

SleepingStandingUp · 29/07/2026 19:00

VointofPiew · 28/07/2026 16:59

No, most here

On this thread? Can you post some evidence cos I don't seem to be reading the same thread as you

SleepingStandingUp · 29/07/2026 19:08

VointofPiew · 29/07/2026 16:59

They are in the same bed. That type of proximity is inevitable.

It's really not. I share with friends twice a year. We never have to cuddle up because there's no space, it's so cold, we're lonely, drunk, missing our DPs, we've never found that spooning is the only way to fall asleep or that a quick snog settles us down to sleep.

In the real world, it's perfectly possible for two asitls to sleep in a double bed and not touch. Thousands of married couples do it nightly!

SleepingStandingUp · 29/07/2026 19:09

VointofPiew · 29/07/2026 17:02

Yeah I think that's a certain type of straight man, perhaps. Not all straight men engage in that homoerotic behaviour. Or should I actually say, men who aren't bicurious don't feel the need to "test the waters" in that way.

I do know that some men do this. I also know men who are actually straight and totally bewildered by this type of behaviour

Yeah, I'd bet my life on the face that DH has never put his testicles on someone's face

EvieBB · 29/07/2026 19:13

VointofPiew · 27/07/2026 18:34

No but he can certainly say that he isn't interested in a relationship with someone who wants to share a bed with her lesbian friend.

....and likewise, OP can certainly be justified to say she isn't interested in a relationship with someone who would be bothered about that! How insecure can you be?

EvieBB · 29/07/2026 22:18

VointofPiew · 29/07/2026 16:59

They are in the same bed. That type of proximity is inevitable.

I shared a bed in sleepovers with my best friend in late 80s ....I can assure you we didn't cuddle lol or even touch. It's not inevitable

VointofPiew · 30/07/2026 08:21

SleepingStandingUp · 29/07/2026 19:09

Yeah, I'd bet my life on the face that DH has never put his testicles on someone's face

Same with Most the guys I know. Some definitely have!

LarkspurBlues · 30/07/2026 09:22

My close friends often suggest this when we go away — I think for some people it is the norm. It gives me a huge ick feeling to share a bed with anyone but my partner! We’re all different.

Hazzaar67 · 30/07/2026 18:26

I'm sorry but NO straight man would sleep alone in his gay male friends bed. It just wouldn't happen. So if you're 'husband' ever asked to I would be worried if I were you.

Ppppoppy · 30/07/2026 19:07

Hazzaar67 · 30/07/2026 18:26

I'm sorry but NO straight man would sleep alone in his gay male friends bed. It just wouldn't happen. So if you're 'husband' ever asked to I would be worried if I were you.

I mean... some would, though. I'm not even saying you're wrong that a lot of straight men would feel uncomfortable with it, you might be right about the numbers. But a huge amount of that discomfort exists because of homophobia, not because there's anything inherently risky about it. You've clearly internalised that pretty deeply if you think it's a universal thing for straight men rather than a cultural norm shaped by decades of treating gay men as predatory. And putting 'husband' in scare quotes like that, what exactly are you implying? That a man can't really be straight, or can't really love his wife, if he doesn't share your discomfort around gay men? Because that's a nasty thing to suggest.

VointofPiew · 31/07/2026 05:22

Ppppoppy · 30/07/2026 19:07

I mean... some would, though. I'm not even saying you're wrong that a lot of straight men would feel uncomfortable with it, you might be right about the numbers. But a huge amount of that discomfort exists because of homophobia, not because there's anything inherently risky about it. You've clearly internalised that pretty deeply if you think it's a universal thing for straight men rather than a cultural norm shaped by decades of treating gay men as predatory. And putting 'husband' in scare quotes like that, what exactly are you implying? That a man can't really be straight, or can't really love his wife, if he doesn't share your discomfort around gay men? Because that's a nasty thing to suggest.

It really isnt about anyone being predatory. It's about privacy and intimacy with other adults.

rwalker · 31/07/2026 06:26

Hazzaar67 · 30/07/2026 18:26

I'm sorry but NO straight man would sleep alone in his gay male friends bed. It just wouldn't happen. So if you're 'husband' ever asked to I would be worried if I were you.

Your being ridiculous I presume you don’t have gay friends due to the fact you worry gay people can’t control themselves and want sex with you at the first opportunity