Couples need alone time together to maintain their spark and connection.

In this story, a woman planned a special trip for just her and her boyfriend.

But her boyfriend immediately suggested inviting his mom along so they could have a ride.

His suggestion left her feeling upset and deflated.

Let’s take a closer look!

AITAH for reacting badly when my boyfriend suggested bringing his mom on what I planned as a couples trip?

I (23F) live with my boyfriend (24M) at his mom’s house.

We moved in during a financially difficult time.

This happened while my own mom was battling cancer.

She passed away last year.

This woman sometimes feels like they don’t get enough private time as a couple.

We are planning to move out soon.

For now, we share space with his mom and younger siblings.

Because of that living situation, I sometimes feel like we do not really get intentional one-on-one time as a couple.

We only get that time in our room.

She planned a couple’s trip, but her boyfriend suggested bringing her mom with them.

Recently, I planned a Sunday trip.

I made it clear it was meant to be just the two of us.

When I mentioned renting a car, his first instinct was to ask if his mom could come.

He said this since we would have transportation.

She felt discouraged.

It was not pushy, just a suggestion. But it immediately deflated me.

Part of why it hit me hard is because of a previous family outing.

During that outing, the mood became tense due to complaints about costs.

It left me feeling uncomfortable, so when I try to create couple-only time, it matters to me.

She really wanted to do something special for just the 2 of them.

When the first reaction is to expand the group, it makes me feel like that space is not prioritized.

It was also the first pay of my new job.

I just wanted to do something special for us.

She immediately said no.

So I reacted quickly and said no.

I said things like, “I knew you were going to say that.”

He says I overreacted and assumed intent.

I admit I got defensive fast.

He maybe tries too often to add family to my ideas to eat or go outside.

Now, she’s wondering if she reacted wrongly.

I do not dislike his mom. I understand including family.

But living in the same house already makes it hard to feel like we have our own space.

Wanting intentional couple time feels important to me.

AITAH for reacting badly in the moment?

Let’s read the responses of other people to this story.

This person gives their honest opinion.

Here’s another personal thought.

He’s a man-child, says this one.

This user offers some useful advice.

Finally, here’s another idea…

If it’s called a “couples trip,” adding extra guests kind of defeats the plan.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a daughter who invited herself to her parents’ 40th anniversary vacation for all the wrong reasons.