My partner treats me like a cultural trophy?
So we’ve been married 3 years, and at first I thought it was sweet how into my Filipino culture he was. He loved the food, asked to go to every family event, even learned some Tagalog. But lately it’s felt… off. Like, he’ll post me in my family’s traditional dress on Instagram with captions like "My exotic queen" or gets weirdly excited when my lola gives him *bibingka* like it’s some sacred ritual. It’s not just pride — it’s like I’m a walking cultural exhibit to him. Last week we argued because I didn’t want to perform a folk dance at his work party. He was pissed, said I was "ashamed" of my roots. But that’s not it — I just don’t wanna be his damn performance piece. I feel like he doesn’t see *me*, just this fantasy version wrapped in a *baro't saya*. I love that he likes my culture, but not when it erases who I actually am. We’ve talked about it, but he says I’m overreacting. Part of me wonders if this is just how he shows love… but another part feels used. I don’t know if this is fixable or if we’re too different. & honestly, it’s starting to feel lonely as hell in this marriage.
Anonymous