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Mystery Man

 
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How much "Training" of a SO is acceptable before you have to say "I can't make you something you're not. So maybe you aren't the person for me."

None. Your SO is a person not an animal, all evidence to the contrary. My Dad, not usually one of the wittiest (or sexist) men in the world, says that the first three steps of the wedding ceremony for the woman are "Aisle, Altar, Hymn."

Training your SO is something that rarely works out well. Sure, little things, like taking his boots off before he comes in, putting the toilet seat down, not drinking straight from the carton, buying her own razors rather than using his: can all be trained. But I don't think you are talking about the small stuff.
You simply cannot make a dog into a cat, no matter how hard you try. You just end up with a thoroughly confused and irritated dog, a headache and a lot of wasted time. So if he is that far off your ideal, cut your losses.

Or try re-examining your ideals.

"Why should I change what I want and expect?!" you shout at your screen.

Well, why should your SO?

This is one of the perennial questions we get here, and there is no one right answer. It matters not if we are talking gay, straight or complex, both members of a relationship over time change their behaviour in response to their partner and their own life experiences. That is natural and expected.
How much change depends on the characters of the people involved. Some people change almost entirely, some minimally. Both extremes are equally unhealthy, in my opinion.

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5 Comments

Jlove

I completely agree MM. Think about this the other way, how would you feel if your man wanted to train you. Like MM said, little things like picking clothes up of the floor can be learned. But personality traits cannot be changed, for example if he isn't romantic there is no amount of "training" that is going to make him more romantic.

You should make a point to look for guys who have all the traits you're looking for, rather than trying to make someone something they're not.

Good Luck!

Bibonoshoes

hum, so my question might sound silly, but as a stranger, I don't get every abbreviations.. What is a "SO"? thanks for answering.

Lil_mama

Significant Other "SO" :)

Bibonoshoes

Thank you! :) It makes much more sense now.

LizzieLizard

Wow...why am I picturing this gal running around after her boyfriend with a high pitched whistle, training clicker and a little bag on her belt for treats?

I'm assuming you want someone to love you just the way you are...I'm sure they would appreciate the same in return.

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