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

438 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:
andthat · Yesterday 08:11

Nobodycares · Yesterday 06:19

So you'd be fine with him sharing a bed with an attractive heterosexual woman, if he said he felt platonic towards her and they'd never had a romantic relationship?

If the answer is yes, push on.

How is that the same comparison @okiedokieokayy?

@okiedokieokayy is not gay. Therefore there is no issue with her sharing a bed with a platonic friend who is.

the comparison you are looking for is her heterosexual boyfriend sharing with a gay man.

@okiedokieokayy talk to your friend but I think you’ve made a ‘thing’of it now and something that wasn’t an issue will now be one.

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:11

BustyLaRoux · Yesterday 08:07

Finding someone ugly isn’t the same as not being gay/bi. You do understand that..?

It's just about attraction. I dont think anyone is 100% straight or gay. OP is arguing there is a lack of attraction between her and BFF for whatever reason so it's fine. Same as saying "I'm not into blondes, BFF is blonde, I wont shag her, even after a few drinks and sharing a bed all night".

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:11

andthat · Yesterday 08:11

How is that the same comparison @okiedokieokayy?

@okiedokieokayy is not gay. Therefore there is no issue with her sharing a bed with a platonic friend who is.

the comparison you are looking for is her heterosexual boyfriend sharing with a gay man.

@okiedokieokayy talk to your friend but I think you’ve made a ‘thing’of it now and something that wasn’t an issue will now be one.

Has she said she isnt bisexual?

marbIecake · Yesterday 08:11

DaysOfWild · Yesterday 08:06

OK, but you do object if the two people's sexual orientation means they could conceivably bed attracted to each other? So heterosexual man/woman or bisexual (either way)? Is that the difference? Why is that a problem? Or is it only a problem when a heterosexual man is part of the equation (so two lesbian friends would also be fine)?

Sorry, not trying to grill you but interested to tease out where you think the problem actually does lie and why!

No, it's okay - it's an interesting question!

For me, if my husband were sharing a bed with an attractive straight woman, then yes, I'd feel very uncomfortable with it, and I wouldn't be ok with it. I know he'd feel exactly the same if the situation were reversed.

It's not because I don't trust him; it's about respect for our relationship. I also don't really understand why anyone would need to share a bed in that situation.

Why not get separate rooms, or have one person sleep on the floor if there isn't another bed available?

Context is also important here - how do they know each other? have they ever dated? etc this would also influence my opinion on it

Elboob · Yesterday 08:12

Nobodycares · Yesterday 06:19

So you'd be fine with him sharing a bed with an attractive heterosexual woman, if he said he felt platonic towards her and they'd never had a romantic relationship?

If the answer is yes, push on.

That's not the same though is it!! No idea why you think it is. The boyfriend and OP are heterosexual.
The matching scenario is him sleeping in the same bed as an attractive homosexual man. Not a woman.

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:13

I would be question the whole relationship with him. He doesn't trust you and is obviously has a jealous , insecure personality which could turn into coercive control. Tell him you are not going to change your arrangements.
Don't let him control you or it could get worse

RunsABit · Yesterday 08:13

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Velvetandleather · Yesterday 08:13

I’m glad you will apologise and am utterly appalled you are so controlled by this man you’d suggest thay to your friend, you know full well she’s not going to jump you in the night, but you chose hurting snd offending her to placate the arsehole you’re dating.

utter shame on you for it,

lessglittermoremud · Yesterday 08:14

Nobodycares · Yesterday 06:19

So you'd be fine with him sharing a bed with an attractive heterosexual woman, if he said he felt platonic towards her and they'd never had a romantic relationship?

If the answer is yes, push on.

That’s not a like for like situation though is it?! Like for like would be him sharing a bed with his male friend who also happens to be gay or with his best friend who is female but a lesbian.

OP hope you can sort things out with your best friend, your boyfriend has basically said that your friend is some sort of predator that can’t be trusted to sleep next to.
I could see his point more (only slightly though!) if you were bi or if your best friend was a heterosexual male because sometimes things happen, but his argument is based on her sexual orientation which is completely different to yours!

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:15

Elboob · Yesterday 08:12

That's not the same though is it!! No idea why you think it is. The boyfriend and OP are heterosexual.
The matching scenario is him sleeping in the same bed as an attractive homosexual man. Not a woman.

Where does the OP say she is straught? I might be missing it but I can't see a clarification.

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:16

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Nor does being a man mean you are attracted to all women. Does that mean its fine for me to sleep in bed with a male friend who assures me he finds me unattractive?

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:18

Pistachiocake · 26/07/2026 21:55

There's no difference between a long-term, like family, friend depending if they're a man or a woman. So if he had a female friend who was like family to him, and you'd be ok with her sharing a bed with him, then it's fine, because it is the same thing.

It actually isn't it's more like if he shared a room with a lifelong male gay friend .

lessglittermoremud · Yesterday 08:18

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:18

It actually isn't it's more like if he shared a room with a lifelong male gay friend .

Exactly!

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:19

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:18

It actually isn't it's more like if he shared a room with a lifelong male gay friend .

We are talking beds not rooms

Summergarden · Yesterday 08:19

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.

Yes, same here I’m afraid. And 8 years isn’t exactly the same as for example a childhood friend either in my book.

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:19

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:16

Nor does being a man mean you are attracted to all women. Does that mean its fine for me to sleep in bed with a male friend who assures me he finds me unattractive?

Edited

Yes if you have been friends since childhood are like siblings and there is no spark between you and you want to save money.
I know people who have done it with no issues at all

CrypticClueless · Yesterday 08:20

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:15

Where does the OP say she is straught? I might be missing it but I can't see a clarification.

True, she could be bi.

But the likelihood is that if that was the case it would have formed part of the boyfriend’s view and the OP would have mentioned it.

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:21

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:19

Yes if you have been friends since childhood are like siblings and there is no spark between you and you want to save money.
I know people who have done it with no issues at all

Sure.

As an adult in a relationship, I'd just save and get a twin room if I really couldn't afford my own.

I can't see anyone being fine with me sharing a bed with a man who is into women but swears he isnt into me.

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:22

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:19

We are talking beds not rooms

Bed then . The point is the same. Not everyone wants sex the.minute they get into bed they go to sleep. And especially not with friends

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:22

CrypticClueless · Yesterday 08:20

True, she could be bi.

But the likelihood is that if that was the case it would have formed part of the boyfriend’s view and the OP would have mentioned it.

I don't think that is necessarily true. I think she could believe that as BFF has never hit on her, that is what makes it ok irrespective of OP's sexuality.

BustyLaRoux · Yesterday 08:22

I do think some people are being deliberately obtuse. Not being attracted to blonde men isn’t the same as not being gay. I am not attracted to blonde men as it happens, but I did go on a date with one a while back. He wasn’t my usual type, but I do fancy men and he had something about him. I would have had sex with him too. This is unusual for me as perfectly against type.

There is zero chance of me sleeping with a woman. None whatsoever. Nothing against lesbians. I think women are gloriously attractive. I wouldn’t ever sleep with/kiss one though.

This is ridiculous comparison and I think sometimes people make some obtuse black and white point and then dig in hard when people push back.

I can see you won’t change your view. That’s fine. You’re obviously in camp boyfriend. Most other people on here think he’s being a twat though. Thankfully OP is going to apologise to her friend, as she should. I hope they can move past this silly interlude.

Also boyfriend’s behaviour smacks of immaturity and insecurity. OP should consider if she wants a controlling man child in her life.

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:22

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:22

Bed then . The point is the same. Not everyone wants sex the.minute they get into bed they go to sleep. And especially not with friends

No i doubt anyone is planning it now. Well half doubt at least.

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 08:23

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:21

Sure.

As an adult in a relationship, I'd just save and get a twin room if I really couldn't afford my own.

I can't see anyone being fine with me sharing a bed with a man who is into women but swears he isnt into me.

I honestly don't understand why you find it hard to believe that not everyone sees everyone else as a sex partner!

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:23

BustyLaRoux · Yesterday 08:22

I do think some people are being deliberately obtuse. Not being attracted to blonde men isn’t the same as not being gay. I am not attracted to blonde men as it happens, but I did go on a date with one a while back. He wasn’t my usual type, but I do fancy men and he had something about him. I would have had sex with him too. This is unusual for me as perfectly against type.

There is zero chance of me sleeping with a woman. None whatsoever. Nothing against lesbians. I think women are gloriously attractive. I wouldn’t ever sleep with/kiss one though.

This is ridiculous comparison and I think sometimes people make some obtuse black and white point and then dig in hard when people push back.

I can see you won’t change your view. That’s fine. You’re obviously in camp boyfriend. Most other people on here think he’s being a twat though. Thankfully OP is going to apologise to her friend, as she should. I hope they can move past this silly interlude.

Also boyfriend’s behaviour smacks of immaturity and insecurity. OP should consider if she wants a controlling man child in her life.

The problem is the inconsistency.. they'd never be ok with him sleeping in bed with his gay best friend. They'd say he's undercover.

RunsABit · Yesterday 08:24

VointofPiew · Yesterday 08:16

Nor does being a man mean you are attracted to all women. Does that mean its fine for me to sleep in bed with a male friend who assures me he finds me unattractive?

Edited

Don't be so deliberately misleading, the two are different scenarios. It is common for girls to share a bed during sleepovers and this can extend to womanhood where friendships are established and trust exists, whereas I don't know of any situations where friends have said their sons share a bed with a friend during sleepovers. Perhaps this is due to society norms, ingrained perceptions or a lack of understanding but that is not the issue here, the point being that the OP had absolutely no problem with it until her bf objected. That she had no worries shows she was comfortable with it.
I would suggest it is your discomfort and lack of understanding/ experience that is the problem, not the OP's warm and trusting friendship with an old friend.