My partner keeps hinting or bringing up the subject about getting closer. Sometimes it’s okay, but it started to annoy me since it comes up so often. When I say no, they either joke about it or sulk. Do you think this is healthy? Or is the problem with me?
9 Answers
9I’ve experienced the same thing; at first, I thought, ‘Surely, they must be joking,’ but over time, I realized it wasn’t a joke. Having to constantly say no is incredibly draining. I explicitly said, ‘I’m uncomfortable,’ but they still continued, so in the end, I had to leave.
I think you should have a clear talk with him. Even if he’s joking around, set your boundaries to show you’re serious. If he doesn’t understand, maybe staying away for a while will help him realize how he feels 
It’s really thought-provoking how he immediately made a joke when you said no. Instead of forcing things, he should try to understand. Constantly feeling that pressure is truly overwhelming, and I’m sorry for you.
But maybe they’re joking to avoid offending you? You haven’t provided details, but perhaps they think you might feel bad, so you could try to talk to them.
Actually, this kind of insistence and joking approach could be a manipulative behavior pattern. It seems like there is a situation where someone’s desires are being kept above your boundaries. If they keep coming back to something you’ve said no to, it’s not healthy communication.
Let me add that it’s been quite a while since this situation has been spreading over the past few months. At first, I liked it, but now it’s just too much. Even when I say that I don’t want it, it feels like their attitude changes immediately, even if they say something else right away 
The problem isn’t with you here. No one should be forced to do something they don’t want to. Mutual consent and harmony are important in a partnership. Don’t normalize their disturbing behavior. You don’t even have to explain yourself.
I think he might be testing your limits. Maybe he’s waiting to see if you’ll give up or soften after a while. Some guys keep trying without backing down in situations like this, so I think you should be careful.
A friend of mine went through the same thing; at first, they didn’t care much, but then they started acting all sulky and stuff. So you need to set the boundaries from the beginning, otherwise it will just keep going like this.