Search Results: taking control

My boyfriend and I have always gone to the gym together but within the past year, his “boys” have been tagging along as well. I didn’t mind it at first but now it’s getting exhausting… they talk so loud (even with noise cancelling headphones on I can still hear them), take up the entire gym, always taking pictures, take 10-15 mins breaks between sets, etc.

I mean I love them, they’re all super chill, but seeing them 4-5x a week at the gym where it used to be my place for “escape” is starting to burn me out. I’ve asked my boyfriend if we can just work out where it’s just the two of us but he said it’s a public gym and he can’t control when they’re gonna come (but then he always tells them the time and day of when he’s gonna be at the gym… he even invited more of his friends to work out together at the same gym, at the same time… it’s now a group of 6-7 boys + my boyfriend). I would love to hang out with them outside of the gym, but the gym should be a place to work out not to hang out right?

I offered to go to the gym separately so I can enjoy some quiet gym time but my boyfriend insisted that we go together. I’ve had stalkers at the gym in the past and my bf’s now a bit paranoid which is why we always go together. But it’s driving me nuts… I just want some peace and quiet… I feel bad for feeling this way, but I can’t stand it anymore :(

P. S. I’m also an introvert so hanging out with loud extroverted people 4-5x a week drains me lol