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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:
okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 23:24

Thankyou all for your responses . When I spoke to my friend it was shortly after a heated exchange with by boyfriend about it , and I think I floated the idea of going with what he asked because I was as still feeling the argument with him and his insistence - and in the moment brought up the ‘easier’ option (giving in ) because of this , and didn’t think about how obviously and understandably she might be upset by this.

OP posts:
pinkfondu · 26/07/2026 23:24

He’s allowed to feel like that, BUT what he’s actually saying is he doesn’t trust you

Fillybuster · 26/07/2026 23:25

Many years ago, I shared a room and a bed on several occasions with my then best friend (also gay), in the same way I shared room/bed with other friends (male and female, as it happens) and would have been absolutely horrified if my then BF (now DH) had said anything at all - it would have put an entirely different lens on a really important relationship.

And it would have suggested that DH didn’t trust either of us, which would have been really weird esp considering we’d been friends for well over a decade. I think you need to apologise to your friend and tell BF exactly what you think of his opinion on this.

Edited for typos

Scout2016 · 26/07/2026 23:27

Sweetbeansandmochi · 26/07/2026 22:12

It’s because he can’t imagine sharing a bed with a woman and not shagging her. It’s projection. He is being immature.

I agree with this. Suggests he thinks if sex is a possibility no one would turn it down. Which is telling and says a lot about how much he trusts both you and himself.

And probably he's watched too much "lesbian" porn and thinks if you aren't careful it'll go from pillow fights to sex, because clearly if left alone in a bedroom together it's just inevitable.

Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 23:31

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 23:24

Thankyou all for your responses . When I spoke to my friend it was shortly after a heated exchange with by boyfriend about it , and I think I floated the idea of going with what he asked because I was as still feeling the argument with him and his insistence - and in the moment brought up the ‘easier’ option (giving in ) because of this , and didn’t think about how obviously and understandably she might be upset by this.

That was really bad judgement and your friend will be very hurt. Your boyfriend pretty much accused her of being a predator and instead of telling him to fuck off you insinuated to her that he might have a point. Do you think you'll be able to make it up with her?

Mnetcurious · 26/07/2026 23:31

Yanbu.

“What if it was a guy” is not relevant because in that instance you’d both be straight but in your situation only one of the two women is gay/bi.

Tell your bf to stop being controlling.

Banabay · 26/07/2026 23:31

You are out of your mind if you allow yourself to be dictated to like this.

He doesn't trust you and is controlling.

Ditch him.

Macinae · 26/07/2026 23:32

What's this obsession some people have with gay people "turning" straight people? FGS she's your best friend, as long as the two people sharing the bed are comfortable then your boyfriend gets no say in this. You're straight, you have no sexual interest in your friend.

Gooseling · 26/07/2026 23:35

Viviennemary · 26/07/2026 22:05

I'm team boyfriend. I was ok up to when you said your friend was gay. So not on. Sorry.

Do you think gay people are unable to control themselves in bed or something??

Wtf is wrong with you????

Pinkissmart · 26/07/2026 23:35

I’m assuming that if he had to share a bed with a guy, any guy, he’d be obligated to sleep with him, yes?

Malvasylvestris · 26/07/2026 23:36

I wouldn't be comfortable with my husband sharing a bed with someone who is attracted to males, so it's a no from me.

orangehandles · 26/07/2026 23:41

@okiedokieokayy The friendship is platonic and always has been. Just tell him you've changed the sleeping arrangements. Job done.

Silvercoconut · 26/07/2026 23:43

My best friend of 50 years ALWAYS shares a bed with me..... When I was married and had no spare room, she came to stay, my husband slept on the sofa, and she was in my bed!
Likewise when I went to stay with her-(we live in different countries) her partner crashed on the sofa, and we shared the bed, really was in order to talk all night long!

I think the fact that your friend is gay is irrelevant, she is like a sister to you absolutely no reason why you shouldn't share a bed.
Edited to say that even had I had a spare room we would still have spent the night together!

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 23:44

Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 23:31

That was really bad judgement and your friend will be very hurt. Your boyfriend pretty much accused her of being a predator and instead of telling him to fuck off you insinuated to her that he might have a point. Do you think you'll be able to make it up with her?

I hope so , and I think so , while I tried to make it clear during our conversation that I obviously do not think he has a point and that I though he’s being unreasonable , it was more of a case of me saying something like “ I know it’s kind of crazy and I know he’s way off base but if it’s upsetting him do you think you’d be okay if I did book another room ?” Kindof thing . And her if you think that’s best came back, so in my emotional state I was like thankyou so much and didn’t see the bigger picture.
I’m going to a knowledge how what I said must have hurt her and appologise,and I really want to hear how it made her feel if she’ll tel me . were generally pretty good at communicating and resolving things if it comes to that , I hope she’ll extend me that grace this time

OP posts:
Ladamesansmerci · 26/07/2026 23:45

I'm a lesbian (with a wife and child!) and have shared beds with several female friends over the years, both straight and queer. So has my wife. I think some men can't comprehend sharing a bed without having sex. To me...you're just sharing a bed. It's really not that deep.

Also, despite being lesbian, unlike some men, I don't see every woman as a potential opportunity for a shag.

If my wife booked a concert with an overnight stay with a friend, I'd never dream of asking them to book separate rooms. Mad.

Also as for the replies saying you wouldn't be comfortable with your partner sharing a bed with someone attracted to their sex, your homophobia is showing. I'm not interested in every single woman who crosses my path. Amd I can also control myself, which is more than can be said for some straight men 🙃

greenpolkadot55 · 26/07/2026 23:45

If your boyfriend is so bothered let him pay for the room

southofscotland · 26/07/2026 23:47

I’m gay, and I once had a friend like you, who used to complain to me that her boyfriends were too insecure to be accepting of our friendship and would put up ridiculous walls in our friendship to protect their feelings over mine. We aren’t friends any more.

TisEye · 26/07/2026 23:47

What is it with all the controlling men threads on here this weekend?
They need their own chat section.

Life is too short to waste on a man so fragile that he throws a tantrum over you sharing a double with your best friend. Tell him you're a grown woman who doesn't need his permission to make sleeping arrangements and you won't be entertaining his silliness so either get over it or end it. His choice.

And if he keeps on, get annoyed & get rid.

Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 23:53

Malvasylvestris · 26/07/2026 23:36

I wouldn't be comfortable with my husband sharing a bed with someone who is attracted to males, so it's a no from me.

Why not

Arregaithel · 26/07/2026 23:54

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 23:44

I hope so , and I think so , while I tried to make it clear during our conversation that I obviously do not think he has a point and that I though he’s being unreasonable , it was more of a case of me saying something like “ I know it’s kind of crazy and I know he’s way off base but if it’s upsetting him do you think you’d be okay if I did book another room ?” Kindof thing . And her if you think that’s best came back, so in my emotional state I was like thankyou so much and didn’t see the bigger picture.
I’m going to a knowledge how what I said must have hurt her and appologise,and I really want to hear how it made her feel if she’ll tel me . were generally pretty good at communicating and resolving things if it comes to that , I hope she’ll extend me that grace this time

but.....will it be one room or two @okiedokieokayy?

It's possible that your decision will still negatively impact your friend, despite your apology.

Obimumkinobi · 26/07/2026 23:54

It's kind of him to let you go away at all, really!

OP - this isn't just some dumb little fight, he's showing you who he is. Believe him.

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 23:55

southofscotland · 26/07/2026 23:47

I’m gay, and I once had a friend like you, who used to complain to me that her boyfriends were too insecure to be accepting of our friendship and would put up ridiculous walls in our friendship to protect their feelings over mine. We aren’t friends any more.

I’m so sorry that was your experience, I’ve never don’t this before, I value our friendship and her so incredibly much, I will be having a full conversation with her to acknowledge how I might have made her feel , apologise and hear what she has to say. I hope she forgives me

OP posts:
Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 23:56

okiedokieokayy · 26/07/2026 23:55

I’m so sorry that was your experience, I’ve never don’t this before, I value our friendship and her so incredibly much, I will be having a full conversation with her to acknowledge how I might have made her feel , apologise and hear what she has to say. I hope she forgives me

But will you say "he's being ridiculous, of course we'll share a bed as usual"? Or are you going to try to keep them both "happy"?

Macinae · 26/07/2026 23:57

Wingwalk · 26/07/2026 23:53

Why not

If you're straight and you share a bed with someone gay, you turn gay. Because gay people are attracted to every person they meet. Didn't you know that?

GooseDrankWine369 · 26/07/2026 23:57

RoseField1 · 26/07/2026 21:54

He's being a prick. Assuming your long-standing friend of many years might be attracted to you is stupid, male thinking in the first place, but presumably he knows you're not attracted to her at all regardless!

This ☝️