As long as there are no underlying $ issues (i.e. spending the mortgage on the hobby), it always seems to boil down to insecurity. "If (spouse) does (hobby) they have less time for ME!". I've known people that almost had to treat their hobbies like an affair--separate phone/email accounts, lying about where they were going, etc. bc their spouse was so controlling and jealous, they wouldn't be allowed to do it if they asked. I can't even imagine living that way--I'd much rather live alone than have to hide so much!