Slappy, thanks for this post. It gives me a chance to think how I would feel if I were in your place.
Right now, honest, I would be willing to say, "Dear, do the living room the way you want. I'll set up a system somewhere else." I would mean it too. If I had to, I'd do the headphone thing.
That's my last position, my bottom line, Plan B. That's what I go into discussions with. So in negotiations, I am starting at a point where any concession she is willing to make over the living room is a gain.
Other posts have much better suggestions than I can think up. I'm only putting my 2 cents in because of the great opportunity you have offered. My own attitude to these things has changed over recent years. I used to think that women's lib meant my partner and I were equal in all things. Equality turns out to be not what I thought. Food and the house, for example, are female domains and things go much better if she gets the final word in them. ( I just hope we like the same things. ) The car and the audio/HT gear are two areas where I get final choice, if I want it.
You are now dealing with a situation in which the masculine (audio gear) and the feminine (home) intersect. Honesty, generosity and tact are required. Good for you! Thanks again for the post. Let us know how it works out.
Right now, honest, I would be willing to say, "Dear, do the living room the way you want. I'll set up a system somewhere else." I would mean it too. If I had to, I'd do the headphone thing.
That's my last position, my bottom line, Plan B. That's what I go into discussions with. So in negotiations, I am starting at a point where any concession she is willing to make over the living room is a gain.
Other posts have much better suggestions than I can think up. I'm only putting my 2 cents in because of the great opportunity you have offered. My own attitude to these things has changed over recent years. I used to think that women's lib meant my partner and I were equal in all things. Equality turns out to be not what I thought. Food and the house, for example, are female domains and things go much better if she gets the final word in them. ( I just hope we like the same things. ) The car and the audio/HT gear are two areas where I get final choice, if I want it.
You are now dealing with a situation in which the masculine (audio gear) and the feminine (home) intersect. Honesty, generosity and tact are required. Good for you! Thanks again for the post. Let us know how it works out.