Chalk up error to exuberance ... and wine

Q My boyfriend and I, both in our mid-30s, were eating at a patio recently along with another couple. The three of them were enjoying wine as we all waited for our orders.

It was the first time since the pandemic that we could get together and our feelings were very upbeat.

Suddenly, it changed for me. Two very attractive women were being ushered to a table nearby. My boyfriend openly ogled them and made an appreciative comment.

The women heard nothing and didn't notice him. The couple with us merely looked and smiled. But I was hurt and felt humiliated. I looked sharply at my boyfriend, but he brushed it off, with a “What? Nothing's wrong!”

I know the wine contributed. He's a good man and we love each other. But after months of not socializing, this chance to enjoy friends' company suddenly left me feeling empty.

Did I overreact? Is there some way I can explain to my boyfriend why his reaction to these women upset me?

I've had no reason throughout our six years together to feel insecure about him or our relationship.

Was It Him/Me or the Wine?

A I'm going with the wine

... and the exuberance of socializing again with good friends.

His reaction to the women's entrance does sound over the top, but it was more a foolish release of high spirits.

I say, move on from this one incident. He noticed your hurt reaction. That's enough of a message for someone who's been a loving partner for six years.

ELLIE'S TIP OF THE DAY

Even loving partners make foolish mistakes. Explain the hurt, then make peace.