Oh, you mean saying "Go away" is not the approach? I've been doing this all wrong!
I have tried that "nice" thing and it just isnt for me!! lol So asking him dont you have something to do elsewhere not romantic? Who knew!!
I got married later . . . it was hard for me to adjust to someone AROUND all the time. LOL I started the process of the man cave for my own sanity! Now, I make snacks and put them in the man cave and announce "honey, there's a cold bear and dip waiting for you! I have the game on for you down there . . ." Think that is a lot nicer than saying "I need some ME time, get in the basement". lol
I'm a very romantic wife.
Hm.... my husband doesn't but I do, and I am often there. It's just the way my personality is, i'm an introvert (and so is he) and I like us both to have some space.
My husband has a home office, but it's not the same as a man cave, since he owns his own business and therefore is working in it, and works when the work has come in, evening, weekend or whenever. I think a man cave is for guy leisure, right?
A closer equivalent is my husband's car. In all our years of married life I might have driven his car perhaps 8 times total, only of necessity. His cars are him. They are always some sporty little roadster, but I haven't really even much liked riding in them -- they have invariably been low to the ground, hard to see out of, smacky on one's bottom going over bumps, and unsupportive on curves. (But oh, so man-cool!) Those cars have all been portable little man caves. I'm not sorry he has had them, everyone deserves a space that is their own. Like sarah, I also think they are a little scary, his territory alone.
Mine is his garage. I go in there to get a tool but otherwise it scares me!!!