Is it a red flag?
No
Are you taking too seriously?
No

I see it as a positive:

You’re both finally comfortable enough to have these conversations. To be real—open about what really bothers you—which by the way: we all have what seemingly looks like small things, but they’re not. They are big things to each of us.

Over time you learn what are big enough for your partner that you do learn to care about it—because you love them so.

And that’s where the longer time now comes into play:

Do you love that person enough to sacrifice comfort and willing to change to at least share in what they like or help take care of things that matter to them?

Think of one seemingly small thing Bernie that is going to drive you bonkers if he thought too it was just trivial—but you’d like him to take seriously.

I think what must be a challenge when you date after being single for a long time is that there are habits and ways of living on your own that also become ingrained. And it’s a freedom.

Can’t be easy to have to adapt and now bring another person into your life—creating space and change.

Yes this isn’t a mountain of an issue.

But it’s a pivotal one indicating how you feel about each other:
Frank enough to be sincere and talk about it (which is huge and important)

Kind enough for each of you to own how you’re handling it (and listen to each other)

Question is: moving forward how do you in corporate what you just learned into future interactions?

Happy for you Bernie! Sound like a fun loving special man! Wishing you both all the best! 🩷🤗