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When does an interest become an obsession?

(7 Posts)
grannyrebel7 Thu 12-Dec-19 15:43:14

Since my DH retired he has taken an active interest in politics, which I thought at first was good. However since joining Twitter a few months ago he has gained over 600 followers and is never off his phone. He's either arguing with strangers or posting something of his own about his preferred party. He can't stop checking his phone and will spend huge chunks of the day on it. If he's not out walking (another obsession) he's on his phone. He even takes it to the toilet with him! If we go for a meal for example he keeps looking at the damn thing. It drives me crazy and it's just so rude. If I try to take it off him he gets quite angry. He has said that after the election he'll cut back though. Hmmm! Do you think it would be unreasonable for me to ask him to quit Twitter?

Chestnut Thu 12-Dec-19 15:50:29

You need to sit down and talk. Explain how it's making you feel and ask if there's a way he can agree to reduce the phone time, i.e. not at meals or when watching TV or with other people etc. He must realise how it's affecting you. But definitely don't try taking the phone off him! That will only annoy him and make him less likely to co-operate. I think it has to come from him and he must be willing.

Yehbutnobut Thu 12-Dec-19 16:09:19

Wait until after the election.

Sara65 Thu 12-Dec-19 16:14:07

I agree, once this election is over, he may lose interest.

TrendyNannie6 Thu 12-Dec-19 16:22:26

Well social media is very addictive if you let it become so, it shouldn’t take over your life, you will have to see if he keeps his word, taking it to the toilet with him omg he is obsessed lol

Gonegirl Thu 12-Dec-19 16:28:48

I don't think this will change after the election. Twitter is there and it gives people the chance to interact with each other. It's natural for many people, to want to chat. Twitter makes it so easy. There may even be less loneliness about because of social media.

Does he have mates to meet up with? Interests to follow? Hobbies? If he hasn't maybe you could encourage him in that direction.

I don't think it will make a lot of difference though. All you can do is let him be happy with it. Definitely try to get him to cut down a bit.

Good luck.

Nonogran Thu 12-Dec-19 16:31:00

Hello Granny rebel, I've got the same massive problem with my OH who is obsessed with Rugby forums/BBC sport in general and Facebook. It nearly broke us up 18 months ago. In(We're not married.) Sorry to say no amount of discussion changed things so now, I'm afraid I use my phone more for things which interest me. The spin off is that we don't chat as much as we used to but he's kind and helpful in other ways so I put up & shut up rather than make an argument. I don't think there's an easy answer and it's reassuring to know I'm not the only "sufferer".