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

434 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:
rainbowsparkle28 · 26/07/2026 22:22

middleagedandinarage · 26/07/2026 21:54

It would be your bf i'd be stopping sharing a bed with tbh

Nailed it 👏 Any healthy trusting partner would not hesitate or question even if thrown in front of you that you ultimately would not do anything inappropriate, or allow anything to happen, same shared bed or not. Ditch your partner.

Anon501178 · 26/07/2026 22:22

I understand your boyfriend's perspective....both crashing in a double bed due to lack of space or something as carefree drunk teens/early 20yos is one thing, but in all other circumstances I think it's a strange thing for grown adults to do tbh, especially when there is planning and choice involved.
The fact that she booked it that way purposefully (why not twin beds??) And that she was disappointed that you rejected her idea of bedsharing seems quite telling to me, and I think that she perhaps does have feelings for you that you are unaware of.
I'm guessing she doesn't have a girlfriend or partner?

DaysOfWild · 26/07/2026 22:24

Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 22:19

It is a huge ask, they are best friends. Most people would share a bed with their same sex best friend (although some people prefer their own space, but OP isn't one of them).

The fact you have issues about it because your ex was a dick doesn't mean OP should put up with her boyfriend insinuating either that either (1) OP is a cheat and lying about her sexuality or (2) her best friend is planning to sexually assault her.

I don't think that's quite fair. My husband has female friends he's known since birth and I wouldn't for one minute think anything would happen between them because I trust and like both my husband and them, but them sharing a bed would still make me uncomfortable. I made this clear at the outset and his reaction was basically a shrug and 'no problem, if that makes you comfortable'. Which was reassuring in itself.

In any event, they may just have wildly different expectations of what's OK in a relationship and that's allowed without one of them having to be the villain. Maybe they're just not compatible.

Starrylawn · 26/07/2026 22:27

What a prick. Do not let this man come between you and your best friend. Please

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 26/07/2026 22:30

I can’t believe someone would upset a long-term friend over this.

She’s hurt. You’ve hurt her.

I imagine she’ll cancel the whole thing now so it’s all a moot point. Probably exactly what your boyfriend wanted…

Besidemyselfwithworry · 26/07/2026 22:32

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 26/07/2026 21:50

This is a family member like a brother or sister. Not an ex, or old friend of the opposite sex. Separate rooms will feel like a rejection or artificial distancing, imo. If I was meeting an old friend like this, and we’d bunked together so many times before, I’d probably end up sleeping in with them anyway, as we’d talk and drink till someone fell asleep!

I think I’d probably prefer to ditch him that her, personally.

I agree
ditch him he’s being ridiculous
he’d be a very controlling and coercive partner if you progressed this relationship!

neversaynever108262 · 26/07/2026 22:33

This is bizarre behaviour. Is he usually so insecure? My husband couldn't care less if I sleep in the bed with my best friend of decades and have done on multiple occasions including the night before our wedding! This is not normal behaviour!

PurpleThistle7 · 26/07/2026 22:33

I think he’s being weird and controlling but also think sharing a bed is a last resort - but I hate sleeping with other people which is probably a me thing. Also agree that if you intend to cheat you don’t need a double bed to achieve that. You can cheat whenever and wherever you like. Trust exists or it doesn’t and it sounds like he has an issue.

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 22:34

Anon501178 · 26/07/2026 22:22

I understand your boyfriend's perspective....both crashing in a double bed due to lack of space or something as carefree drunk teens/early 20yos is one thing, but in all other circumstances I think it's a strange thing for grown adults to do tbh, especially when there is planning and choice involved.
The fact that she booked it that way purposefully (why not twin beds??) And that she was disappointed that you rejected her idea of bedsharing seems quite telling to me, and I think that she perhaps does have feelings for you that you are unaware of.
I'm guessing she doesn't have a girlfriend or partner?

Edited

I think that’s unfair to her inferring that there might be any alterior motive , as I explained she has never shown any signs of being interested in me . It’s not that she was ‘disappointed about not sharing a bed’ , she booked it because it has never once been an issue before, it was a nice room and she’d have no reason to think anything had changed in my indifference to sharing a bed (which I hadn’t ) .

OP posts:
Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 22:36

DaysOfWild · 26/07/2026 22:24

I don't think that's quite fair. My husband has female friends he's known since birth and I wouldn't for one minute think anything would happen between them because I trust and like both my husband and them, but them sharing a bed would still make me uncomfortable. I made this clear at the outset and his reaction was basically a shrug and 'no problem, if that makes you comfortable'. Which was reassuring in itself.

In any event, they may just have wildly different expectations of what's OK in a relationship and that's allowed without one of them having to be the villain. Maybe they're just not compatible.

Edited

That's not the same though is it, your husband and these female friends you'd feel uncomfortable about are presumably both straight?

In any event I do agree that they're obviously incompatible. But in my view this is because the boyfriend is a jealous, and tbh homophobic, dickhead.

What does he think will happen in a double bed that wouldn't happen in twins?

It's so odd an issue to me that it's not until this, my 4th post or so on this thread, that I clocked that I've shared a bed with my friends who's bi (as well as getting changed in front of her etc) and it would never have occurred to my DH to say anything - although if he did I would of course tell him to piss off and would never be so insensitive as to tell my friend.

OttersOnAPlane · 26/07/2026 22:36

Your boyfriend is being an arse. H can get over himself and his stupid insecurities of he can bugger off.

I think you owe your friend and apology. She must be so hurt.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 26/07/2026 22:41

It's your boyfriend that's the issue. I've slept in the same bed as at least five different friends and at least one of them thought I was gay (I'm not btw). It was a question of having somewhere comfortable to sleep, ffs.

lordbaddingham · 26/07/2026 22:42

DaysOfWild · 26/07/2026 22:24

I don't think that's quite fair. My husband has female friends he's known since birth and I wouldn't for one minute think anything would happen between them because I trust and like both my husband and them, but them sharing a bed would still make me uncomfortable. I made this clear at the outset and his reaction was basically a shrug and 'no problem, if that makes you comfortable'. Which was reassuring in itself.

In any event, they may just have wildly different expectations of what's OK in a relationship and that's allowed without one of them having to be the villain. Maybe they're just not compatible.

Edited

But OPs best friend is female, she's not sharing a bed with a male friend

Arregaithel · 26/07/2026 22:49

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 22:34

I think that’s unfair to her inferring that there might be any alterior motive , as I explained she has never shown any signs of being interested in me . It’s not that she was ‘disappointed about not sharing a bed’ , she booked it because it has never once been an issue before, it was a nice room and she’d have no reason to think anything had changed in my indifference to sharing a bed (which I hadn’t ) .

so how do you think you will you resolve his ultimatum @okiedokieokayy?

Unpaidworkmakestheeconomytick · 26/07/2026 22:53

Good grief my daughters sleep with their female friends whenever they meet up as chatting and drinking in bed and watching trash telly is part of the catch up. I think any current boyfriend having a problem with these gatherings/reunions would be told in no uncertain terms to piss off and stop being such an arse.
There’s no need to pander to people’s insecurities.

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 22:54

Arregaithel · 26/07/2026 22:49

so how do you think you will you resolve his ultimatum @okiedokieokayy?

I don’t know , that’s why I made the post.

OP posts:
TheLambtonWorm · 26/07/2026 23:00

Anon501178 · 26/07/2026 22:22

I understand your boyfriend's perspective....both crashing in a double bed due to lack of space or something as carefree drunk teens/early 20yos is one thing, but in all other circumstances I think it's a strange thing for grown adults to do tbh, especially when there is planning and choice involved.
The fact that she booked it that way purposefully (why not twin beds??) And that she was disappointed that you rejected her idea of bedsharing seems quite telling to me, and I think that she perhaps does have feelings for you that you are unaware of.
I'm guessing she doesn't have a girlfriend or partner?

Edited

Just because it's something YOU think is weird and you're not comfortable doing with your friends after an arbitrary age doesn't mean it IS weird, especially when OP has said they've done this many times before. She wouldn't book twin beds because of that very reason, they have been happy CHOOSING to share beds before. Implying OPs friend has nefarious reasons for booking a double bed is frankly ridiculous and comes across as homophobic.

Heretohelp1111 · 26/07/2026 23:04

I’m due to share a double bed with my bisexual friend in a few weeks as the quality of the accommodation was more important to us than the availability of twin beds. Not the first time we’ve bed shared and I’m sure it won’t be the last. My husband’s response - good luck to her with your snoring.

Arregaithel · 26/07/2026 23:08

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 22:54

I don’t know , that’s why I made the post.

"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,"

That is it, completely.

You feel uncomfortable that he's insisting because he is being controlling, trust your instinct here @okiedokieokayy

You are free to make your own choices about your life and he's now tainted a joyful reunion with your pal through his jealousy.

If you capitulate, this is going to be just the tip of the iceberg, it's about control and power, can you see?

RuffledKestrel · 26/07/2026 23:08

How does it feel knowing that your boyfriend doesn't trust you?

That for me would be the most telling thing in this scenario. I have to have trust between my partner and I for a relationship to work. But I now refuse to change my behaviour to "make" my partner trust me. In my experience it doesn't work that way.

I know if the roles were reversed I would trust my partner and bid them have a great time catching up with their friend.

Haikuing · 26/07/2026 23:13

You should not have spoken to your friend about this, OP. The problem is your partner thinks this way because that is how he would behave. I am a lesbian and my best friend and I have shared beds throughout our 25 year friendship and not once had a boundary been crossed. Why? Because we are friends, and I do not view every single woman I meet as a potential lay. This says more about the way your partner thinks about women than anything else. Don’t bring your friend into your relationship problems.

Haikuing · 26/07/2026 23:15

DaysOfWild · 26/07/2026 22:24

I don't think that's quite fair. My husband has female friends he's known since birth and I wouldn't for one minute think anything would happen between them because I trust and like both my husband and them, but them sharing a bed would still make me uncomfortable. I made this clear at the outset and his reaction was basically a shrug and 'no problem, if that makes you comfortable'. Which was reassuring in itself.

In any event, they may just have wildly different expectations of what's OK in a relationship and that's allowed without one of them having to be the villain. Maybe they're just not compatible.

Edited

There is a massive difference between men and women in these situations. You might not want to think so, but there is.

Laurmolonlabe · 26/07/2026 23:19

What on earth has it got to do with your boyfriend?
Your mistake here was including him in the discussion about the trip.
Why should you be on the defensive about the trip, anyone that ridiculously jealous I would dump in a moment, his attitude is a huge red flag- he will have other restrictive options, depend upon it.
Tell him it's none of his business you are friends and that's it- if he can't accept that, that is his problem- he should butt out, you have known your friend at least 3 times longer than the boyfriend- why should you be upset and bankrupted because your boyfriend doesn't feel comfortable about arrangements that are none of his business anyway.

idontknowhowtodreamyourdreams · 26/07/2026 23:22

Your boyfriend is the problem. He objects to it because he can’t imagine sharing a bed with a woman and it not leading to sex. The whole thing speaks volumes about HIM.

Also ffs, if you were going to have sex with her then you would do it anyway regardless of whether you happened to share a bed 🤣

Happyjoe · 26/07/2026 23:23

So he doesn't trust you. That's what it boils down to.
Nice.