AITAH [M35] for not wanting to move to my partner’s [M39] new town?

My partner (M39) and I (M35) lived together for five years. A couple of years ago, he was in a toxic work environment and started looking for a new job. He eventually found one in a very small town about four hours away by car.

I love my partner and I understood why he wanted to leave his old job, but I had serious concerns about the move from the beginning. The town is very small and remote, and I told him I didn’t think it would work well for me. Despite my objections, he decided to take the job and move there.

For the last two years, we’ve been in this setup where he lives there and I haven’t fully moved. I’m now feeling like we’re reaching a point where we need to make a real decision, because this can’t go on indefinitely.

The main issues for me are:

- The town feels very isolating and lonely whenever I’m there. There aren’t many facilities, conveniences, or things to do.

I won't be able to find a suitable job there. I might be able to keep my current job, but I’d need to travel back every two or three weeks for a couple of days each time.

- I travel fairly often, about once a month, and the nearest airport is around an hour away. It’s also very small, with limited flight options, which would make travel more difficult.

- The biggest issue emotionally is that my partner made the decision to move despite knowing I was against it. I feel like I’m now expected to adapt to a life I never agreed to.

I don’t want to punish him for taking a job that was better for him, and I understand he needed to get out of a toxic workplace. But I also don’t want to possibly risk my career, and social/mental well-being to live somewhere that feels isolating and impractical for me. (I once moved for someone and regretted it.)

After two years, I feel like we need to decide whether one of us moves, we continue long-distance, or we accept that our lives may no longer be compatible.

AITAH for not wanting to move to his new town? Should I take the risk and move? Is there some middle ground?

Posted Jun 11, 2026, 2:44 AM UTC

3243
Loading comments…