What does your spouse/partner think of your playing/buying guitars?

[DennisG]

I'm a very lucky guy for a lot of reasons.  One of them is that I have a wife who encouraged me to start playing the guitar about three years ago, and is always very supportive when I buy a new one.  You can't ask for more than that spouse-guitarwise.

So, it got me wondering what the situation is for other folks.  I've been on other forums where people have lamented having a spouse who resents every second they spend playing the guitar, and in no way supports a new purchase.  What's your situation?  How does your spouse or partner feel about your playing?  And assuming you can afford to buy a new guitar, how does he or she feel about money going in that direction?

[Strumming Fool]

My lovely wife has been extremely supportive of my experimenting with different brands, shapes and sizes in my quest for "keeper" guitars. I owned one guitar when I met her in '96, and I've bought and sold many since that time. Her "pain" points involve me letting go of something to which she's become emotionally attached, or losing a bit of money on a sale or trade-in. Other than that, she enthusiastically shares my passion for the "hunt". I do love this lady more than all my other "ladies" put together!

[gdeleo]

My loving wife is very supportive of me.  Her only stipulation is that I cannot have more than two guitars at one time.  She really doesn't care about the money she just doesn't want guitars all over the house.  She doesn't mind if I trade or sell them just don't have more than two.  She has let me make one of the extra bed rooms as my music room.  Which has my guitars (only have one now since I have a 12 fret Taylor on order)  and a flat screen to watch golf.  I really can't ask for more than that from her.  She has a corner in our keeping room for her sewing and I don't care what she spends on that, so I guess we have found a happy medium for our hobbies.  Life is good!

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Since the divorce, she's had nothing to complain about. 

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

My DH is very supportive and doesn't mind my guitar habit as he knows I am the one to take my time and weigh things before I buy one.

He does quiz me from time to time...."what's in that bag", "when did you get that".....however,............he has a very expensive fly-fishing habit so that helps alot......

[lmacmil]

My wife, a classically trained pianist, doesn't mind my playing but doesn't understand why I need more than 1 guitar (I currently have 4 and will concede that's probably one more than I need).  Lucky for her, I'm cheap and a mediocre player so I don't spend much on the guitars I have bought. 

[cigarfan]

My wife thinks I'm crazy. She has never really supported my playing, in fact she's come right out and said it's a waste of time. She is a workaholic. Spends little to no time relaxing or just having fun.

That's alright. My youngest daughter is quite the singer. She and I love making music together.

My wife has not commented much on my guitar buying and selling. She knows better. Otherwise there would be a whole lotta shoes and such headed out the door. 

[Von Beerhofen]

I fired mine, no idea what she thought about my hobby and that's enough reason for me,

Von Beerhofen

[ewalling]

My wife thoroughy approves of my playing. She's a serious amateur dancer with a troupe herself, so things artistic tend to get a thumbs up from her. When I have a bouts of restless flipping, she has sometimes wondered why I can't be satisfied with what I've got, and it's a good question! I do try to keep things fairly grounded, though, by only bringing one in if one goes out. I find that if I go beyond 6, I have instruments that hardly get played, and I don't like that scenario.

[Captain Jim]

Pretty sure I snagged this pretty blonde BECAUSE of the guitar playing.  We were both in high school (over 4 decades ago).  I had long hair, played in a band, and rode a motorcycle... I have been known to say she dated me just to tick off her parents (no need to edit - I cleaned that up myself  ).

I had an ES-335 when we met, still have that guitar, still have the same girl.  When I quit playing in bands and got a "real job" all those years ago, she remained my audience of one.  She says she loves to hear me sing and play, and I like to play for her.  Truth be told, she has been the one to suggest guitar shopping over the years.  If I buy a guitar, it's because I like it, so I don't feel the need to swap them out frequently.  She encouraged me to get both of the Taylors I bought this year.

We know what makes each other happy.  Even though we're retired, we are working this summer because she thinks we should be contributing members of society once in a while.  So, I'm driving a whale watch boat as a "fun summer job" and spend my off time playing my GSmini on our boat.  What's not to like?   

Best wishes,
Captain Jim

[davwir]

My wife is supportive of the playing, though certainly wants me to spend more time with her (ok, were newlyweds, less than a year still)..
She appreciates the buying and collecting.. to a point.. I admit to having way more than "necessary".. Ive been doing that for 30 years though..

And I do try to use the method mentioned below.. if one comes in, one will usuaully have to go out at this point..
We just agreed to remove the actual bed from our guest bedroom, and utilize the space to share it for both my guitars, and her photography stuff.. Seemed a great idea, as we have guests in there 1% of the time, and can easily get an inflatable air mattress for when we do!

[Judson H]

My spouse is a jewel!  She encourages me to get whatever I want within the limits of our household budget.  I'm much more of a penny pincher than she is with this issue.

[Gutch]

My wife & I have a clear understanding.  I love acoustic guitars, and she loves Walt Disney World in Florida.  Every time I get a new guitar, she gets to plan another trip to the mouse house.  Now, to be honest, I'm getting the short end of the financial stick with this arrangement as it costs a whole lot more for a week on site for the family at WDW than it does for a decent BTO.  However, she loves it, as do the kids, so it's all worth it.

Oh yeah - Sometimes she lets me come along too!

[BlackCats]

My wife is to blame. She handed me her guitar and her first lesson from 20 years ago. A few months later I purchased my 210. Two years later I’m still having fun. She never complains (unlike the cats!) about my playing and always offers encouragement. With her blessing, my retirement gift to myself will be a GA.

[Saxacat]

My wife is totally unsupportive. She thinks buying guitars is a waste of money. If I try and play when she is in the house there is lots of huffing, puffing, sighing, tutting and door slamming; so I don't play when she is around.

Regardless of her opinion, I enjoy it and have no intention of stopping.