Dear Question Asker,
My name is Jiang 61.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for placing your trust in us and for being willing to share the details of the conflicts between you and your boyfriend in order to facilitate a resolution. Having read your account, I feel that your situation is unfortunate.
I can see the strong attachment between you and the positive rapport you have. I am concerned about your situation. You have inquired about the next steps to take if he indicates that an undefined relationship is not beneficial for him. Let's examine how to navigate your relationship.
1. Relationship
1. Cohabitation
You stated that you have been cohabiting with your roommate for four years. You have experienced feelings of unrequited love and have maintained a sexual relationship throughout this period. You have also been involved in a business venture together and have a close daily relationship. Initially, you shared an apartment for two years and then lived in a house he purchased for another two years, while borrowing 200,000 yuan from him.
Despite the lack of a formal marriage, you have been cohabiting for four years. Regardless of the nature of the relationship, your continued cohabitation demonstrates his recognition of your partnership and his active role in supporting your living arrangement.
You transitioned from a shared living arrangement to him purchasing a property, you moving in, and you borrowing 200,000 yuan from him. He continued to acknowledge this cohabitation relationship for two years.
2. Relationship
Attachment
You have identified the following characteristics in your partner: a lack of security, sensitivity, dependence, self-centeredness, irresponsibility, loner tendencies, dislike of solitude, and the belief that he is with you for company.
You lack a sense of security, which makes you highly dependent on others. You are easily influenced by the slightest kindness from others and give them your trust. You are sensitive and therefore prone to suspicion, and you lack trust in your boyfriend.
It is evident that your attachment style can be classified as anxious.
You have indicated that your boyfriend is an avoidant person who actually dislikes the feeling of being dependent. You have also stated that he is very self-centered and only cares about his own feelings, rarely paying attention to your feelings. Additionally, he does not enjoy being alone. He prefers to have someone to keep him company. It is important to note that he is not an avoidant person, but rather someone with an attachment style of detachment.
Individuals with an avoidant attachment style tend to prioritize independence and self-sufficiency, and may find it challenging to rely on others or be reliant on them.
The following section outlines the interaction patterns observed in the relationship.
You stated that there is a conflict approximately once every 30 days, which often takes the form of a significant disagreement or a minor dispute. The underlying causes of these disagreements are related to shop management, your expectations of respectful treatment, and minor issues in daily life. When there is a conflict in the shared living situation, he has mentioned the possibility of moving out, and you have proposed moving out on a few occasions.
From your statements, it is evident that there will be frequent conflicts in your relationship, including differences in experience and values, modes of interaction, attachment styles, and views on life. In essence, there will be a fight or cold war once a month.
Should the two parties fail to see eye to eye, the likelihood of a dissolution of the partnership is high. Furthermore, there is a lack of willingness to engage in constructive problem-solving.
3. Differences
The boyfriend's rationale
You stated that your partner recently violated the implicit agreement of spending weekends together by making separate plans with other individuals. You perceived this as a deliberate attempt to alter the dynamic and felt abandoned. This led to your desire to relocate. Following communication, a decision was made to resume cohabitation on a temporary basis. However, your partner expressed
1. He is seeking to disengage from the relationship and clarify the status quo, with the goal of maintaining a cordial, platonic relationship.
2. I am dissatisfied with the frequency of arguments, which negatively impact his self-esteem. The optimal solution would be for us to maintain physical distance, which I am prepared to do by moving out. However, I do not believe it is prudent to consider sharing accommodation, and I anticipate that he will move out after I purchase a house.
3. Despite past positive experiences of cohabitation, you now perceive arguments as detrimental and are therefore open to terminating the relationship. Previously, you had expressed reservations about
It appears that your boyfriend has been experiencing frustration with the nature of your relationship for some time. In order to avoid causing you undue distress, he has proposed a set of conditions for the two of you to continue coexisting.
From the circumstances surrounding the agreement between you and your boyfriend, it can be surmised that he exhibits avoidant attachment behavior. He appears to be more bothered by the conflict and discord in your relationship than he is by the positive feelings you once shared. Consequently, he is attempting to limit the frequency of your interactions and reduce your emotional attachment to him.
The objective is to disengage from the emotional attachment to the individual in question.
I am unclear on the situation.
You previously indicated that you believed the relationship would benefit from both parties making changes to improve it. However, your boyfriend has now suggested a different approach. What is your recommendation in this situation?
You are seeking to enhance the relationship and resolve the discrepancies between you through modifications in both parties. However, your boyfriend's three commitments have led you to conclude that his commitment to the relationship has diminished.
You have expressed a desire to save the relationship and have asked for advice on how to proceed.
2. The reasons that have brought you to the point of considering ending the relationship.
1. Different attachment styles
It is evident that your attachment style is a source of conflict and disagreement for you. You have an anxious attachment style.
Anxious attachment is an emotional state in which the individual is unable to experience love and trust for their partner. Instead, they experience a kind of "emotional hunger," hoping that the other person can save them or make them more "complete."
Anxiety is essentially a fear of not feeling secure in your relationship. This manifests as a concern about being abandoned, which in turn gives rise to feelings of fear, insecurity and a desire to exert control over the relationship. Your demands for treatment that meets your standards put pressure on your partner.
My boyfriend exhibits avoidant attachment behaviors. Individuals with this attachment style tend to avoid close relationships and may withdraw when feeling overwhelmed.
Anxious attachment is a co-existing attachment type in which the individual engages in self-defeating behaviors and inflicts emotional distress on their partner. People with anxious attachment exhibit an intense desire for intimacy but harbor persistent doubts and fears about their partner's level of intimacy.
This ultimately resulted in the boyfriend proposing ground rules.
2. Different values
Some of the conflicts you have experienced appear to be caused by differences in life philosophy, experience, and values. To continue, it is necessary to discuss values and life philosophy in depth.
3. Lack of Effective Communication
From your description, it is evident that the two of you frequently engage in disagreements over inconsequential matters. This indicates that your communication style is not particularly effective. It seems that you are unable to express your thoughts to each other in a clear and concise manner, allowing the other person to fully comprehend your perspective. Additionally, you appear to struggle with active listening and making well-informed decisions based on your understanding of the situation. This can lead to the accumulation of conflicts and, subsequently, damage to the relationship.
Such individuals are prone to separation.
3. Recommendations
1. Modify the attachment relationship.
Individuals with secure attachments
Individuals with secure attachments are emotionally close to others and feel at ease when relying on and being relied on by them.
They are not concerned about being alone or being rejected.
By establishing this type of secure attachment, you can create a relaxed environment for your boyfriend, eliminating any feelings of pressure.
It is important to practice these skills in order to ensure proficiency.
The ability to function independently is a key aspect of personal growth and development.
It is important to learn to be alone and to live your own life, even when your boyfriend is not present. You should not rely on your boyfriend to constantly look after you and be considerate. By insisting on doing things yourself, you will demonstrate to your boyfriend that you are maturing and growing up, and that you can manage yourself. This will help to reduce his nervousness when you are dating.
and respond to requests in a calm and collected manner.
It is essential to establish trust within the relationship.
You are honest and trust your boyfriend in your intimate relationship. Your boyfriend supports your attitude, which provides him with the confidence to rely on you as a strong and reliable partner. This fosters a sense of security within the relationship, leading to greater harmony.
2. Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential for any successful business relationship.
Communication is defined as the exchange of information. It is a process whereby a message is conveyed to a communication partner with the expectation that they will respond in a desired manner. If this occurs, effective communication has been achieved.
Verbal and non-verbal messages comprise communication. The non-verbal element is typically more influential than the verbal aspect. Effective communication is vital for navigating interpersonal relationships and complex social dynamics on campus.
The following are the steps to effective communication:
Effective communication comprises four steps:
The first step is to express feelings, not emotions.
Step 2: Articulate your desired outcome, not your objections. State that you are frustrated, not that you are frustrated about a particular issue.
Step 3: Articulate your requirements, not grievances. Avoid leaving the other party to speculate as to your intentions.
Step 4: Express your desired outcome, not your current situation. Focus on the end result, not the immediate circumstances.
When a conflict arises with your boyfriend, you can use these four steps to express your feelings, thoughts, and demands. By avoiding the tendency to stick to one's own opinion or to present a solo performance, you can establish effective communication, create a positive communication environment, and gradually reach a consensus.
Effective communication is crucial for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as for personal growth.
3. Establish a mutual understanding.
Building a shared understanding is a critical factor in the long-term success of your relationship. Shared understanding encompasses self-worth, alignment, self-growth, and truth acceptance.
The importance of self-worth in a relationship cannot be overstated.
The recognition of self-worth is the most important value sought in an intimate business relationship. It is only when we feel recognized in a business relationship that we feel secure and stable.
Walking in step
The concept of "walking in step" does not imply that two individuals must align perfectly in every aspect. Instead, it signifies that they are progressing in a similar direction and maintaining a harmonious equilibrium within the relationship. If one party places undue demands on the other, it can lead to discomfort and disrupt the relationship's balance.
Self-growth
Attaining equilibrium in the relationship is not the ultimate objective; rather, it is a means to facilitate personal growth within the relationship. This growth is not solely an individual endeavor but also requires the willingness of the other party.
Self-growth necessitates a willingness to draw closer to each other, invest in the relationship, and pursue a brighter future.
It is essential to accept the truth.
In an intimate relationship, it is easy for two people to see each other and the relationship through their own perspective, which can result in the relationship growing from intimacy to alienation. This can occur when one person's true attitude and thoughts are ignored and unseen, which can cause hurt to both parties.
When you can accurately assess the other person's true character, the nature of the relationship between the two of you, and accept the reality of the situation, you will be able to make well-informed decisions and judgments.
If you can effectively manage your emotional state, you will be more likely to achieve happiness. I hope you can seize the opportunities before you and achieve the happiness you desire.
I would like to extend my best wishes to the questioner for a happy outcome.
Comments
I need some time alone to process everything that's happened and figure out what I really want from this relationship. It seems like we've both grown in different directions, and maybe some space will help us gain clarity on how to move forward healthily.
It sounds like we've reached a turning point. Perhaps it would be best if we took a step back and reassessed our living situation and the nature of our relationship. Maybe living separately could provide us with the opportunity to grow individually while still maintaining our connection.
Your words made me realize that we might have been too close for comfort, without setting clear boundaries. I agree that having some physical distance could reduce conflicts. Let's try to redefine our relationship terms and see if we can find a balance that works for both of us.
This is definitely a tough situation. I understand your perspective and the need for less conflict. Moving out might indeed be beneficial for both of us. However, I hope we can stay friends and support each other even if we're not living together anymore.
The way you feel and the changes you desire make sense given the pattern of our relationship. It seems like creating some distance could be healthy for us. I'm willing to respect your wishes and explore how we can maintain a positive connection despite not being as physically close as before.