Do I suck at being a girlfriend?

[Catvshuman]

I was raised with a horrible step mother (cliche haha) as my only "womanly figure" and my life. I have an introverted personality but because of her cold mean example and my emotionally beat down childhood I've become really sort of seemingly indifferent. I feel like I wear my emotions on my sleeve but then people tell me I'm a closed book. Anyway I don't want to have my guard up at all with my boyfriend, it was hard enough for me to tell him what I was thinking (like "I love you" or "I miss you") he comes from a loving family and he is a really great boyfriend. I say and think this but I guess don't express it to him because he says "sometimes I feel like if I didn't try you would is let the relationship die". Which I wouldn't. I try really hard for him but because of my messed up life before (and naturally emotionally shy personality) I just don't know HOW. How can I be a better girlfriend and show him/ do things for him to let him know I care?

Updates

+1 y

Thanks guys! I have told my boyfriend everything about me. At one point he said I don't show I care and so I do kiss him or tell him I love him but I don't call often or say thank you (even though I think of it) he says I don't have to do it all the time then gives all these confusing scenarios. I feel like they're probably just confusing to me. Like "just call if I haven't for a couple days" but for me I assume he loves me and we've been together so log and I understand him so well that wouldn'

Updates

+1 y

T not cal if he were upset. Also h says I for initiate doing things with him... I feel like I jut naturally fail

[linnette]

start by taking baby steps.. if you are thinking about him or something he did to make you smile laugh w.e then shoot him a text and tell him (keep it short and sweet) if you are somewhere and you see something he might like buy it for him. don't go overboard of course, -you might scare him off- but little things like that are the details that a girl has with a guy she likes and isn't so well at communicating . as long as you keep making an effort I think you will slowly come around... hope this helps

*guarded and emotionaly beat down number 2 :)

[Michaelmwm19]

You could tell him what you told us if you haven't already and tell him how much he means to you.If you don't wanna do that then you can take him by the hand when your walking and give him a kiss on cheek and just do sweet things for him that make him feel appreciated or tell him he's a great boyfriend or if you can't bring yourself to tell him how guarded you are and your home problems write him a note or an email maybe.

[kheserthorpe]

For a variety of reasons I think its going to be challenging.

But I'd suggest the two of you take the five love languages quiz on the website, so you can understand what approaches make him feel loved the most (and you) and then you two focus on those.

[Racez]

Always smile when you're with him, spend a lot of time with him, find time to hang out and engage in activities like walk in the park, picnic, dancing, go to the beach, and others.

Also, joining a club and classes with him will do a great job.