My boyfriend has been crying/whimpering in his sleep. (Guys) any advice on how I should approach this?

[Anonymous]

He's done it 2 or 3 times I don't know why. When it happens I sorta like cradle/cuddle his head (he has a big head) and he stops immediately and I fall back asleep like that.I don't know if it wakes him up when I go to hold him but like I said he stops when I do it.

The only thing I can think is he's been having problems at work (that he won't really talk to me about) & his father survived a heart attack about two months ago (we did talk about). It's sorta alarming because I've never seen him cry before. Even the day his dad had the heart attack & I know he had a crappy childhood.

I don't know if I should to bring it up to him I don't want to have him get defensive or embarrass him something because he's like that.
I'm just really worried. When something's wrong or something bad happens he pushes me out a little.
I notice that when something happens he stresses about how to fix it and if he can't then he just shuts down emotionally until it passes. He's gotten better and the longer we're together (ten months ) the better he is at opening up to me but he still does it sometimes.

Should I bring this up? Or wait until he's ready to? (If ever)

[ZettaiX]

I think you should cuddle him a bit like you said if it happens again. In the morning be very sweet to him, put you head on his chest, kiss him, be affectionate but make a point of asking him about it. Tell him you were worried, just want him to be okay, you're there for him,.etc. He may not remember the dream, but he will not forget that you're there for him if he needs it.

[islands7]

You get an A+, so don't invent anything else until it's a slam dunk winner (ask his mom what else to do).

He is growing up and will be OK. He's suffering from all the things you've figured out.

Take a lesson from how Maks & Meryl became winners & beat stress. (Dancing With The Stars)

[Anonymous]

Wake him up and ask what he's dreaming about