Leanne’s Perspective:
I’ve been dating my boyfriend, Wes, for about a year and a half. We don’t live together, and last summer he built himself a four-poster bed, which I thought was really cool. But a few months ago, he hung a water bladder with a long tube from the side of the bed.
At first, I didn’t mind—I even thought it was a joke. There were times when it seemed practical, and I’d take a sip from it too. But when I asked if he planned to take it down, he brushed it off.
Then, during an intimate moment, he suddenly grabbed the water bladder and started drinking from it. I was annoyed—he should have been focused on me, not hydrating. That was the last straw, and now it’s gone.
It’s a huge turnoff. It looks like an IV drip and reminds me of a hospital—not exactly the vibe you want with your partner. Hydration is important, but if Wes needs water during sex, a bottle or cup would be more appropriate.
The water bladder stayed up for about two and a half months. Thankfully, Wes listened when I finally put my foot down. We agreed to keep it out of the bedroom, though I know he misses it.
We’re going to a festival this weekend, and Wes says he’s bringing two water bladders. I won’t be drinking from one unless it’s an emergency. He uses them for hiking and biking, which makes sense—that’s what they’re designed for. But in the bedroom? No.
Even though we don’t live together, I spend most of my time at his place, so I think he should respect when something makes me uncomfortable. He did take it down after that incident, but I know if I gave in, it’d be right back up there.
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Wes’s Perspective:
After building my four-poster bed, I attached a water bladder with some string—just for fun and convenience. It was really hot, so having water within reach seemed practical.
At first, Leanne didn’t seem to mind. She even drank from it when she stayed over. But then, during an intimate moment, I took a sip, and she reacted strongly. Everything stopped right then, and I had to take it down immediately.
I get that the timing was bad—maybe even insensitive—but I didn’t expect her to be so upset. It started as a silly, hands-free way to drink water, but Leanne said the imagery bothered her. I understand that a tube hanging from my mouth during sex isn’t exactly romantic.
Now, she’s even banned it from our festival tent. She’s fine with me using it while we’re out walking, but not when we’re lying down inside. I think it’s way more practical than a cup—no spills! And isn’t a water bladder perfect for camping?
If we’re in a crowd for hours and Leanne runs out of water, I bet she’ll end up using mine. It’s a different situation from the bedroom, but now she seems to hate the idea entirely. There’s no middle ground for her when it comes to the water bladder.Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text while keeping the original meaning:
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About the water bladder:
I’ve suggested getting a smaller one, but Leanne isn’t having it. Her comfort matters more than convenience—if she’s happier without it, that’s what counts. Personally, I think a water bladder is practical, and if she ever changed her mind, I’d hang it off the bed again in a heartbeat.
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The Guardian readers’ verdict:
Is a water bladder acceptable in the bedroom?
– Adnaan, 30: Water bladders have their uses, but not at home—especially not during intimate moments. Wes should focus on understanding Leanne’s feelings rather than forcing the bladder into every situation.
– Harmony, 30: Leanne’s ban on the bladder in the bedroom (and festival sleeping areas) is fair. Wes can hydrate elsewhere—just not during sleep or sex.
– Lola, 25: It’s reasonable to keep the bladder out of the bedroom, but at a festival? Let him drink in the tent. Leanne should compromise since Wes has already adjusted.
– Peter, 60: Leanne’s discomfort is clear—relationships require compromise. If your partner dislikes something, you stop. No excuses.
– Matt, 30: Wes isn’t a race car driver—he can use a glass at home. The bladder makes sense at festivals, but Leanne’s right to draw the line.
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Now it’s your turn:
Vote in our online poll—who should give in?
Poll closes Wednesday, August 6, at 10 AM BST.
Last week’s results:
We asked whether Cara should stop being so frugal on holiday.
– 46% said yes (Cara is guilty)
– 54% said no (Cara is innocent)
