Date night went a lot better last night. For starters, it seems we have a huge misunderstanding about going exclusive, and neither of us actually wanted it. As I recall, the conversation went something along the lines of me saying "So are we dating then?" and them saying "Well to me, that means going exclusive" which I agreed to. We've accepted that while we can both do 'versatile', neither of us really wants to, and it's the passive/receptive role that appeals to both of us. I've often said I'd be fine with a relationship with someone like that, as long as I was allowed to scratch the itch elsewhere.

I brought a blanket and slept on the sofa (it's very comfortable) which sorted the stray limb problem. I'm also learning to be more assertive with my opinions, which does seem to gain me some ground and some respect. (Though I failed to convince them that soda water and tonic water aren't the same thing.) Part of my trouble is that I spent 17 years in a relationship where I wasn't allowed to disagree with my partner. I need to learn to be more assertive.

Some of the other stuff? I think I can make progress. I've recognised that their understanding of trans is probably where mine was about 5 years ago. While they say they have themselves figured out, they seem to flit between describing themselves as a feminine gay man and a trans woman throughout the evening (one of the reasons I'm keeping this gender neutral.) Maybe their understanding of trans will evolve, as mine did. Who knows? And we agree on plenty of other stuff, too, so it's not all arguments. Including the right to self-identify both gender and sexuality.

The room share thing was the biggest misunderstanding. I thought they wanted to vet the person, and that I was expected to go through the same process with anyone I shared with. Apparently they were asking for pics of the room, so they could see if there was decent lighting, mirrors etc. if they were able to come and stay with me instead (which was the original plan.)

So a number of crossed wires in key places. I think I can work with the rest.

Yeah, ya sure do need to talk about things. Everyone deserves a second chance. I see some red flags - them insisting you’re always wrong when drinking, routinely drinking to excess, different spiritual and political beliefs, and sex. I also wonder whats-up with their concern about you sharing a room with someone you’re not into sexually. I self medicated with alcohol for years and I just wonder if they are doing the same.

A couple of things you mention jump out at me in dramatic, glaring fashion.

1. All you had to do was mention your mis-match in politics and spirituality, and my past 5 month-long effort with a devout Roman Catholic Republican came rushing back to me. (Shiver).
   There are many couples who seem quite happy with each other despite differences in their world views. BUT, if your spiritual and socio-political views are important to you( mine sure are to me), you will NEVER be happy with someone who ridicules you for yours and who cannot hold thoughtful discussion with you without it devolving to mockery or derissive dismissal.
2. The role of their alcohol excess you repeatedly reference. If they're actually alcoholic, YOU cannot make them change; they have to find the motivation in themselves, and you can ONLY be supportive of that. IF, as you suspect, they are just abusing it from time to time, you seem to be laying much of the blame for the meanness toward you on the alcohol.
   Don't. What alcohol does is enhance a person's blatant selfishness and intolerance, true, but it also removes a person's filter, their diplomacy. What you are hearing in those nasty statements are likely their true sentiments, just devoid of diplomacy. Diplomacy, btw, is a crucial tool for compromise in a relationship.

As for me, I broke it off with my then-boyfriend after he indicated he was likely to vote for tRump in 2016, with the excuse that he can't trust Democrats to protect him from raised property taxes. Civil rights-be-damned! Societal safety net be damned! That was a bridge too far for me.

I was single for a year and a half after that, finally connecting with someone with the help of many months on 3 different dating apps. NO GUARANTEES. We are both over 50, both professionals, both busy with our jobs and only able to get together 3 or 4 times a month. Compromise is necessary, true, but you had better get something in return that actually contributes in some way to happiness, not just be able to "tolerate" their bullshit. Better to be single, unattached, and work on simple friendships and casual socializing than to feel pressured and insulted for the chance at an intimate relationship. I would rather date my hand then an asshole.
We've got to love ourself first! Good luck to you!

NICOLE...BABE...you do not sound happy AT ALL. And it seems, from what i've read, YOU are their...pet. Stop going over...I haven't seen anything here that smacks of a relationship. So what you are over fifty...i know people over fifty who are happy as a pig in...slop. Stop going over...and start losing weight...you complained that you are a bit on the heavy side. He will see the difference in you...and it MIGHT garner some respect. He seems like he's trying to get you out of his life anyway. So...GO with your friend, share a room...YOU know you are true...and he can elbow the wall if he likes. HE is making all the demands on YOU. Y'know, there IS a difference between DOMINANT/DOM...and domineering...HE is domineering...and nasty about it too. He seems to want some freedom also...YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY...so be happy...if he wants to come along and be happy ALSO...fine...otherwise leave him with his six pack and his jack daniels and call it a day!!!
JUST MY FEELINGS...don't be upset. You deserve MORE babe.

It's your choice to put up with it

I recognize several troubling behavior problems. Passive aggressive. Discounting and dismissive of your experiences. Invalidates your feelings. Disrespectful of your beliefs. Blames you for things that aren’t your fault.
The drinking: you didn’t cause it, you can’t control it or cure it. If he’s violent(elbowing you) or hurtful by accident when drunk now, what’s going to happen if he gets too angry while drunk but still awake?

It might be better alone, than to accept this behavior. That’s my opinion of course. I’m sorry you’re going through it.

That's quite a situation you're in... You sure do tolerate many things... Too many imo... From what I've read here, they do not have any respect for you at all and if you continue to allow them to disrespect you in all these ways, things will get progressively worse... It seems like you're being used... I'd stop going to their place for awhile and go with the home field advantage...

Are you sure the struggle is worth it? I don’t see that uou’ve written anything positive about this relationship. If you just want a companion, consider a dog or a cat. You deserve better than disrespect and rudeness.

You say "I think it's fair to say they're the best chance of happiness that's come my way in several years", but can you honestly see yourself ever being happy that relationship? I'm a great believer in everyone deserving a chance to prove themselves, but that refusal to even listen to your argument about the supernatural suggests this person has no respect for the opinions and thoughts of others and, assuming they're aged over 25, they're probably never going to change. It's better to be single than with someone who makes you miserable, and it sounds to me like that's all they will ever do.