Man who lives with his girlfriend secretly rents an apartment only to have space for himself: ‘I'm not cheating, meeting anyone there or doing anything sketchy. I order food, play games, watch YouTube, sleep whenever I want ’

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Olivia Arocena • Writer and Editor
Sep 20, 2026 4:00 PM EDT

The fact that he can't disclose that he needs space is what makes it so shady

It's only natural that we desire to have more space for ourselves when we usually live with a partner. Ideally, that desire should be talked about and respected within the couple. This story stood out for me because it reflects a very specific issue that many couples go through.

Sometimes, when we are in a relationship, we think that if we bring up certain needs like the one mentioned above, the other person is going to take it personally and think we want out of the relationship. That is not always the case; sometimes it's true that we only need space for ourselves.

Maybe we're not ready for what that conversation might bring up, and that is completely valid. In a way, time for ourselves, if it's discussed and constrained by a set of rules, kinda loses its quality of freedom, and that might be what the man is looking for during his weekly escapades. But did it ever occur to him that she might need some free time too, and that she might be enjoying herself at the house when he leaves for his old apartment?

I honestly think discussing this would be much more freeing than sustaining the lie, although I understand it'll require bravery and the ability to confront a situation and possibly re-elaborate the couple's goals. Sometimes we interpret certain things as signs we should break up. I think that is not necessary, and we live in a time when two people can be in a relationship and choose not to live together. 

If we're brave enough, we can enjoy the privileges of living in such a modern time that imposes far fewer rules on us than ever before.

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  • Cheezburger Image 10664829184
    via Vitaly Gariev

    The boyfriend enjoying his apartment

    Not actual story subjects



     

  • My girlfriend thinks I spend some weekends with friends. I actually rent a secret apartment she doesn’t know exists.

    My girlfriend and I have. lived together for almost 3 years and she has no idea I still have my old apartment. When we first moved in together I still had a few
    via HummingStimulus
  • months left on my lease. I told her I found someone to take it over early, but I actually just kept paying for it until the lease ended. During those few months I went back there one
    via HummingStimulus
  • weekend after telling her I was staying with a friend. I forgot how nice it felt having absolutely nobody around. So when the lease came up for renewal, I renewed it.
    via HummingStimulus
  • That was almost a year ago. It's a tiny studio about 20 minutes from our place. Mattress, TV, PS5, mini fridge, some clothes. That's basically it.
    via HummingStimulus
  • Every month or so I tell her I'm staying over at a friend's place after we game or that a few of us are doing something for the weekend. Then I just go there alone.
    via HummingStimulus
  • I'm not cheating, meeting anyone there or doing anything sketchy. I order food, play games, watch YouTube, sleep whenever I want and barely look at my phone.
    via HummingStimulus
  • Cheezburger Image 10664830720
    via Nick Reynolds

    A room of one's own 

    Licensed media provided as editorial context



     

  • I actually love living with my girlfriend. Our relationship is good and I don't secretly want to be single. I just really like having this weird little place where nobody knows where I am and
    via HummingStimulus
  • nobody needs anything from me. She's joked before that I have more "guy weekends" than anyone she knows.
    via HummingStimulus
  • pherber12 You might not be cheating but she will think you are.
    via pheber12
  • sailorcaldwell Have you ever considered that she also appreciates the time to herself and being secretive about it is shady as h_il.
    via sailorcaldwell
  • Zoso03 I think its more f ed up that you're wasting all this money. For the price you could get a bigger place to enjoy some more privacy.
    via Zoso03
  • Cheezburger Image 10664836608
    via Matheus Câmara da Silva

    Maybe the couple should discuss this

    Representative only



     

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Tags

relationship advice relationships toxic relationship relationship drama
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