Do you think a relationship can work if...

Do you think a relationship can work if 1 person likes to be active and do things such as skate, bike ride, go to the gym, workout and the other person just likes to stay at home in front of the TV, not workout, do occasional household DIY projects, but not much more than that??? I am curious how it works in other marriages/relationships?

Absolutely.

I am a personal trainer, Turbo Kick and PiYo instructor, and I exercise at least an hour a day.

He doesn't like to workout at all.

But our relationship is not centered around this one aspect. It can't be.

I like Star Wars, and he doesn't. He likes Ghostbusters, and I don't.

So what?

He enjoys working third shift and staying up all night.

I hate third shift with a passion and I am trying to get off of it ASAP.

But will that kill a relationship? Nah...

If all you focus on are the things that you don't have in common, you will never last long enough to find out what you DO have in common. Me and Justin have been together for 3 years, and we are getting married in July. We just bought a house together and have been living together since last August. He just finds something else to do while I am working out, and I talk to my MFP friends while he is watching Ghostbusters in the other room. If you immediately just focus in on what you don't like about each other, then you probably shouldn't be together at all. But if you get over it and realize that there are going to be TONS of things that you don't agree on, then you can have a mature relationship.

You don't really think all married couples are exactly alike, do you?

Sherry, my husband is NOT at all interested in working out and that's fine. We both have our separate interests (he likes to hunt; I will NEVER go hunting with him!), as do all couples. What we do makes us "us" and that is why your partner loves us! Not to say that he is completely unhealthy/inactive---his job as a Chiropractor demands he be somewhat physical at work all day. We've been married 10 1/2 years and its never been a problem for us that I enjoy exercise and he does'nt.

It will not work in the long run, bottom line. If you cannot be aligned on lifestyle choices, then there will always be a conflict of interest.

Is there something better out there or should I just be content since he does not cheat and is not physically abusive.

Hmmm... I don't know you or your relationship very well, but, yes, there is something better out there. Just being a non-cheating non-abusive guy is not enough. You deserve someone who makes you happy. But perhaps there's a way to salvage your relationship?

Good luck.

Although my ex did cheat... and was not PHYSICALLY abusive... he did play emotional mind games. I often questioned if I should stay because even though his job didn't 'win the bread' he held a long term job, would cook if asked, would do dishes and laundry, was at home and not out spending money, etc.....

But in the end, we only have one life to lead. Do you want to spend it 'settling' and being 'content', or do you want to chance and see if you have true happiness waiting on you out there?

Fair warning: I left my husband 2 years ago. We have a child. I still have to deal with his ugly butt. He quickly replaced me with another stupid bread winning woman who thinks he might one day live up to the potential he contains but never utilizes. It hurt. I am still single, refusing to settle for whatever man appears but isn't right for me. I am still learning that I can be happy alone BUT my life is full of love and laughter with friends and family. And I would never do a single thing differently.

It's about personal choices. Be happy with what you have, or make the decision to pursue a 'dream' of sorts. Neither way is wrong, per se.

The fact that he works nights has left me a lot of free time to be active and pursue fitness related interests, which is great. On Saturdays, even though he is home, I have double workouts in the morning. It has gotten to the point where we don't spend any time together at all.
Another poster pointed out that we have other issues and I know that is true. He refuses to go to counseling, so not sure what I can do.

Is there something better out there or should I just be content since he does not cheat and is not physically abusive.

We have been together only 6 years (married 3.5). He was more receptive to trying new things and doing things together in the beginning, but that quickly disippated.

I am sorry you are in a difficult position. Remember the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. (Sorry for the bad cliche') I added spaced in your quote so I can address them.

1) When a couple work opposite shifts it makes it difficult on a relationship. It takes a lot of work and effort to keep the relationship going, more so than when the couple works similar shifts. This is very similar to a long distance relationship and because of the opposite shifts each individual in the couple fills their life with activities that do not include the other because they just are not available. You may need to schedule time to be with the other and participate in activites both enjoy together. It's a little like dating all over again.
If you both have Saturday's off can you schedule your workouts for another day so Saturday can be a day you both spend together as a couple? Or here is a question, because you are unhappy with the way things are now, are you booking your Saturday full so you have an excuse not to be with your husband?

2) Just because he refuses to go to counseling with you does not mean you can't go alone. A non-biased third party may be able to help you talk about issues you may have, problems you are experiencing at home in your marriage or at work or perhaps both. They can also help set realistic expectations. Sometimes men and women have totally opposite ideas of what marriage is. A good couselor can also help sort the difference between reality vs. fantasy on what married life really is.

Can talk with your husband and have an open conversation? Can you say something like " I feel we are drifting apart and that upsets me. It is difficult with us both working opposite shifts to see each other and be together. I miss how we used to be. Do you think we can set aside Tuesday night and all day Saturday to spend with each other?" " I can give up one of my exercise classes on Saturday can you take time away from the PS3 to spend with me?" Also you could say something like, " I love you and I am concerned about your health. I know how difficult it can be to exercise with your schedule and our chaotic life do you think we can make healthier meals? Maybe eat more fish and fresh vegetables and less chips and steak?"

Then again maybe you have emotionally detached from the relationship already and the unresloved issues are causing too much resentment between the two of you and it's too late. It sounds like you have already thought about leaving, how does that make you feel? Is it upsetting because you love your husband and it is going against every feeling to walk away from him, while just spending time with him makes your day? Or, does the idea of seperate lives and never seeing him again make you feel happy and positive? Is this just a difficult time that happens in a marriage but you know with effort you can make it through and have a happy healthy relationship?

We can offer advice and support but only you can make the tough decisions. Sorry for the extremely long post. I've stood in your shoes and it is really tough. I also had three children to think about. I did walk away, a really tough decision but one I would make again, and in two weeks I will celebrate my 9th wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband.