Very clarifying to think through the aspects of a cohabitating relationship that I enjoyed and realize that what I want isn’t a partner but a trust fund and a cheering squad.

It’s not that I’m unwilling or unable to give back to other people, particularly when we’re talking about emotional support. It’s just that those sorts of things work better for me when there’s a bit more space than a cohabitating partnership allows for.

I want my life to be a certain way! Other people foolishly have different ideas about how to be in the world than my obviously correct ones! It’s easier to love people wholeheartedly when you don’t have to constantly deal with the fallout of their incorrect choices.

If this thread makes you think I’m terrible, at least give me credit for being a terrible person with enough self awareness to refrain from inflicting that on someone else.

Anyway hopefully this thread isn’t one of those times where I’m like, “Yeah, we all think about human relationships in this pared down, somewhat transactional way, amirite?” and then everyone stares at me like I’m a serial killer.