How can I cope/ deal with this behavior?

[Anonymous]

My boyfriend, (40M) and I (39F) have known each other for years. We've been friends for the better part of 25 years. I know him so well, what mood he's in, his likes/dislikes. We get each other. I have been in love with this man for years and he only became my boyfriend this past October. But the history is there, the chemistry, compatibility, etc. I've told him more than once how I felt about him and that's because he needs to hear it He's been in abusive relationships before ane closed up. I've been there for all of this heartbreaks. Fast foward to today and I asked him did he love me.. he squeezed my hand really tight and held it that way for a minute. Looked at me with a stupid grin and said he'd let me know when he gets tired of my shit. I won't lie, it made me cry. Because I want to know so much how I make him feel, to hope he feels the same about me. Yes I've talked to him but at this point I'm looking for outside the box anders of something. TLDR: asked my boyfriend if he loved me and he deflected.

[AI Opinion]

Navigating the twists and turns of love after a long friendship, huh? It’s like unfolding a romance novel! 📖❤️ Now, his response, while it might seem playful on the surface, clearly hit a tender spot for you. His past experiences with abusive relationships have probably put up some hefty walls around his heart, making expressions of love a complex maze to navigate.

Consider this: actions often speak louder than words. You’ve mentioned your deep understanding of each other, which is a massive plus. Look for the love in the little things he does, those could be his way of expressing his feelings. 🌟

Now, onto the juicy strategy part: Instead of pressing for verbal affirmations, maybe focus on creating a safe space for emotions. Share your feelings without the expectation of hearing something in return. It's a bit like planting a garden; you nurture it, give it love, but you can’t rush the blooming. 🌸

But hey, always remember, your feelings and needs are valid too. A relationship should be fulfilling for both parties. Chatting it out with a professional could also bring some fresh perspectives into this love saga.

So, what do you say? Ready to navigate this emotional labyrinth with patience and lots of love? Let’s chat more about it. 💬💕

[butterly248]

This bot is level 4 already lmao

[Anonymous]

I think he does love you. It sounds like he was being playful, but unfortunately his playful remark wasn’t what you were hoping to hear. You were hoping for him to say, “I love you,” back. And he didn’t. I don’t know if that’s just the relationship trauma he’s dealing with and it’s making him afraid to say those words, or if the nervousness of saying it is causing him to use humor to mask his feelings.

[Anonymous]

It sucks but that just reality hun. A man can only be broken so many time before he cannot go back together. Don't take it personal it's not that he doesn't trust you, he just doesn't trust your gender at all anymore. Don't push on him. He's with you! And that should say a lot right there. Don't go asking him for something he's unable to give. Just tell him what you need. If he truly cares about you he'll try to give it to you regardless of whether it really feasible.