So my boyfriend (22M) and i have been dating for eight months. everything was fine until last night when he dropped the bomb that he wants to open our relationship. i was shocked because we’ve always talked about being exclusive. he said he still loves me but feels “restricted” and wants to “experience life” while he’s young.

i told him straight up i’m not into sharing my partner. that’s when he called me prudish and said monogamy is outdated. i didn’t expect that from him. i’ve always valued loyalty and thought he did too. now he’s acting like wanting to stay committed is some kind of flaw.

he argued that we’re missing out on fun opportunities and that i’m too “uptight” for not even considering it. i tried explaining that it’s not about being uptight—it’s about trust and respecting what we built. but he kept insisting i’m overreacting and should be more open-minded.

here’s the thing: i get that people have different needs. maybe he’s curious or scared of settling down. but calling me names for wanting the same commitment we agreed on? that feels manipulative. i don’t wanna force him to stay if he’s unhappy, but i also won’t bend my boundaries just to keep him.

am i really overreacting for standing my ground? part of me worries i’m being too strict, but the other part knows i deserve someone who wants the same things. he says i’m holding him back, but isn’t he dismissing my feelings too? idk.