Father Faces New Year's Eve Alone With Son As Partner Chooses Friends' Company

" Im ok with her going another timeframe."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• December 15, 2023

In most families, New Year's Eve often symbolizes unity and celebration, a time when the collective spirit of a family shines brightest. Yet, when individual needs clash with shared traditions, the harmony unravels, leaving partners at a crossroads.

This is where our story begins, with a couple facing the tension of personal desires and familial expectations. Our protagonist, OP of this story, is a dedicated partner and father immersed in the joys and challenges of parenting a two-year-old.

His partner, a woman who has recently journeyed through the demanding role of a gestational surrogate, finds herself yearning for a breather – a chance to reconnect with her friends over New Year's, thousands of miles away. Her proposal: to spend this traditionally family-centric holiday apart, leaving her partner and son to usher in the new year on their own.

OP's turmoil is palpable. On one hand, he empathizes with his partner's need for respite after a tumultuous year of physical and emotional upheaval.

Her sacrifice and endurance have not gone unnoticed. On the other hand, he feels a twinge of abandonment, viewing New Year's as a time for family togetherness, not separation.

His willingness to support her getaway at a different time reflects his understanding, yet he grapples with the symbolism of her absence on such a significant occasion. Is he wrong for feeling sidelined? Is she unjust in seeking solace with friends during a family holiday?

OP and his partner have been together for about three years, and they have a two-year-old son, but she wants to spend New Year's about with her friends because she feels she deserves it.

OP understands that she had a hard time, but also thinks it's selfish to leave them alone for the holidays.

OP can express his disappointment, but it's her choice in the end.

Unless this is a recurring habit of leaving for extended trips multiple times a year, there doesn't seem to be a problem.

If she wanted to be home on New Year's, she would be, but she's going through a tough time.

New Year's Eve may not be seen as a family holiday by everyone.

It seems like OP might be feeling insecure, and OP is the one coming across as selfish!

OP could spend quality time with his son by visiting his family while she's away with her friends.

It's unusual to be apart from your partner on New Year's Eve, especially when you have a child together.

She's given a lot in the last two years and deserves a vacation.

It seems OP is being selfish for not wanting to take care of his child alone for a couple of days.

Calling her selfish after a tough year and wanting to spend time with loved ones is unkind.

It's not fair to call OP's partner selfish for wanting a break with friends after a tough year. She's been through a lot and deserves some time off.

Not everyone sees New Year's Eve as a family-only holiday. But we should also understand OP's feelings of insecurity and his desire to be together as a family during this important time.

It's important to talk openly about this and find a solution that works for both of them. In this situation, no one's completely right or wrong.

It's about talking, understanding each other, and finding a compromise that respects both their needs and family traditions. Blaming one person as selfish doesn't help solve the problem; it's about finding a way that makes both of them happy and strengthens their relationship.

Damjan