As a female hunter with the opposite problem, I have to agree that I have fewer problems when Iencourage my hubby time out with his buddies. It also helps to plan hunting times so that the hubby doesn't feel obligated to watch our son. ThankGod that I have a very understanding mother and in-laws. This sometimes means less than optimal times to be in the woods, but sometimes that doesn't matter. Hubby hunts, but only during gun season, and with the attitude that if he can't get the deer within the opening weekend (and preferably within the first half hour of opening day), then it's not worth the time. I do try to do extra things for him, but I still get some snide remarks. Of course, this also is from a man that doesn't understand ANY of my passions, including fishing, horseback riding, photography, fish-keeping, reading, my work (I'm a lab tech at a hospital), etc... He doesn't have many hobbies other than playing on the X-Box 360, collecting guns to plink with,or working on the farm. I do encourage these as much as possible, though. (Anybody got an AR-15 for sale for a great price? [8D] J/K)

I guess my advice to you is if you really want the relationship to work, then try to show some interests in what makes her tick. Don't fake it, 'cause she will see right through it. Hubby attempted it with me, and now it just makes me frustrated and angry when he asks questions he really doesn't want to know the answer to and then spaces out when I try to talk to him about it. Encourage her interests, and you'd be surprised at how relaxed she should get about yours. This may be something as simple as finding out something that she really wants and springing for it. I'd be tickled pink if hubby would even spend some money for a $15 remote for my camera, but I don't expect it to happen, even if I ask for it. If she doesn't relax about your passion, THEN I would suggest running the other way. Relationships are two way streets, and being involved in each other's interests is what helps you to grow together.

And as a person who only got to hunt with her father just one time before he got too sick to be in the woods... Take advantage of the time you have. There are many times I with that I had my father to ask advice from, or even my grandfathers, especially since I just took up bowhunting last year and my father passed in early '06.