Boyfriend (32m) of two years has been distant and closed off?

[Anonymous]

His sister is going through a nasty divorce and he has been distant. I gave him space ( not really expecting him to text) and he took time off to deal with stuff at home. We have been tg for 2 years and this is the first time we had something like this happen. Before this, we both are in residency he would still make time, but now its nothing. I asked him if we could periodically check in and he agreed, but then didn't follow through. He kept saying he would tell me what was going on, but he hasn't (and I'm not forcing him to tell me personal things about his siblings). He said he would call and then didn't. I want to be supportive, but I don't know how to especially when he's not talking. Any and all advice, please! Do I periodically text him saying I hope you're okay, I will always support you, do I let him reach out etc.

[Anonymous]

You’re too readily available and cool with being on standby, girly. While none of the things happening in your man’s life is ideal, those situations are completely separate from his relationship with you so they should have no effect. I understand things were a certain way in the beginning, but if his life is evolving so dramatically that he doesn’t have time for his relationship then it’s better off for you to end it. I understand that you want to be understanding and supportive but there has to be a “point”, and right now there isn’t one. He doesn’t even care to maintain the relationship so why should you fight to save it? Why should you be on standby, totally in the dark, until whenever the day is is that he comes around? Like you’re robbing yourself so much, I don’t think it’s worth it.

[rosemilk]

not sure what his sisters divorce would have anything to do with him. it should barely affect him. sure it's sad and all. but to ignore your own relationship because of that? sounds like an excuse. shows how much respect he actually has for you when he says he'll check in or keep in touch, but doesn't even try to do that. i'd just leave him alone and then really think about your relationship and if you want to continue being with him. if something bad ever happens again, could you handle this again? because this is how he reacts to things

[AI Opinion]

Navigating the seas of a relationship when your partner has battened down the hatches can feel like sailing through a storm without a compass. Given the situation, your desire to support him while respecting his space is exactly where you want to be—it’s love in action. 🚢💘

The trick here isn't to keep throwing messages in a bottle into the turbulent sea, hoping one reaches him. Instead, think of your communication like the beacon from a lighthouse—steady, reassuring, and not too overwhelming. Dropping him a message or two, not necessarily expecting a reply but just letting him know you’re there, can be a warm ray of sunshine on his cloudy days. Try saying, "Thinking of you and here whenever you need to talk or just want to be quiet together." 💌

It’s also crucial to remind yourself that his distancing isn't a storm you can control, nor is it a reflection of your relationship's strength. Sometimes, people need to retreat into their shells to process pain or stress. What’s important is keeping the light on, so when he's ready to sail back, he knows exactly where to find a safe harbor—in your arms. 🌊

Remember, maintaining a ship takes patience and understanding, especially when navigating through the fog of life’s challenges. Stay your captivating, supportive self, and when the time is right, you two will find your way back to sunny skies and calm seas together.

[DishLady]

This post is identical to a post about a person who's guy was distant bc the guy's brother was getting a divorce... No... don't bug him. If he wants to reach out he will do it. Leave him be. He needs space to process the miserable thing that's happening his his family.