Dear Question Asker,
My name is Jiang 61.
Firstly, we would like to thank you for placing your trust in us and for being willing to share your concerns with us in order to help you find answers. You have asked the following question:
"My boyfriend-to-be is under a lot of pressure studying for the postgraduate entrance exam and always wants to be alone."
I believe it would be beneficial for us to work together to find solutions.
1. Boyfriend
1. Attitude
You stated that you met in the first half of this year and have been getting along very well. However, since the second half of the year, he has been very busy. He interned at the hospital during the day and started to study for the postgraduate entrance exam at night (he is a clinical major). I have already decided on a very good school, but he began to worry that he would not be able to pass the exam. Additionally, he felt that he was not good enough for me, given that we are in different cities and that there are various other problems.
The relationship is currently experiencing pressure due to the following factors:
The first half of the year was a positive experience, and we had a good rapport. The second half of the year will be spent on an internship and preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam, which is more demanding than the first half of the year. Neither of us anticipated this, so my boyfriend has some suggestions.
Pressure
From your description, it is evident that he is already experiencing a considerable amount of pressure.
There is limited time available.
My boyfriend is currently engaged in intensive studies, participating in demanding internships during the day, and still manages to allocate time for your relationship. He faces significant challenges in balancing these three demanding areas, and the situation is highly stressful for him.
There is a discrepancy in status between the two parties.
Given that you have already secured a place at a reputable educational institution, you are not required to invest the same level of effort into the entrance exams as he is. Consequently, the outcome of the selection process will undoubtedly exert a significant influence on his psyche.
The individual in question displays a lack of confidence.
You have demonstrated remarkable proficiency, securing a place at the institution at an early stage. This will inevitably lead to a comparison with you, which will in turn give rise to feelings of inferiority. When coupled with the necessity to work assiduously for the postgraduate entrance examination, these factors combine to create a state of considerable anxiety, encompassing concerns about the outcome of a long-distance relationship and the discrepancy in levels.
Therefore, he is displaying a lack of confidence. He is primarily concerned that if he fails the exam, you will be in a superior position and he will not be worthy of you. Consequently, he is beginning to disengage.
2⃣️, Quarrel
You indicated that you have been reluctant to continue spending time with me for the past month and have been somewhat distant and aggressive. Last night, we had a significant disagreement when discussing our future together, and I also had a falling out with him over his behavior.
You mentioned that he treats you with cold violence, but I am unclear as to what that means. There was a significant disagreement about the future.
Furthermore, you have used the term "turning the face" in reference to his cold violence. It is sufficient to confront your tolerance level and the angry emotions in your heart.
3⃣️, Expectations and Ambivalence
In your conversation with your boyfriend today, he expressed a desire to be alone. This leads you to believe that he may be considering ending the relationship, which is a cause for concern. However, you also want him to succeed in his upcoming exams. How should you proceed to provide him with the support he needs?
Expectations
The boyfriend's expectations
He has made it clear that he wishes to be alone, and this may also be his recent expectation. You are perfectly capable of handling this. You are not aware of his expectations, but they have become your concerns.
Your boyfriend's expectations of you
From your previous description, it is evident that your boyfriend has high expectations of you. It would be advisable to allow him some time and space to take a break and address the pressure of the exams independently. His cold violence is indicative of his attitude.
It would be beneficial to consider the following:
You
It should be noted that you yourself have expectations. For example, it was mentioned earlier that you expect a clear future.
Consequently, the subject of the future of the two of you was discussed in both your conversations yesterday and today.
You anticipate that your boyfriend will
You anticipate that your boyfriend will continue to express his affection for you in the manner that he has previously. However, his recent conduct has been characterised by a lack of warmth and a tendency to react violently to your expectations.
This has resulted in feelings of hurt, anger, and upset.
There is a discrepancy in the emotional state of the parties involved.
His assertion that he desires solitude has instilled a sense of unease, prompting concerns that he may eventually disengage from the relationship. This has led to a state of internal conflict.
You desire to remain in his company, but you are concerned that your presence may impede his ability to dedicate himself to his studies and prepare for the examination.
2. Causes of conflict
1. Attachment Type
The individual in question is the boyfriend.
Based on your activity patterns, your boyfriend's attachment style can be described as avoidant. In your relationship, he desires a closer connection but is hesitant to fully engage.
This is why you repeatedly end the relationship and then reconcile. He maintains a considerable distance, which is typical of individuals with avoidant attachment styles.
Your
Your attachment style is anxious. People with an anxious attachment style are hypervigilant in intimate relationships, meticulously evaluating their partner's actions and exhibiting a fear of unstable relationships.
You have expressed feelings of insecurity.
2. The influence of the original family
The type of attachment relationship formed is related to the way of life in the original family. The family dynamic in your boyfriend's upbringing likely involved ambiguity, which has contributed to his ambivalence about intimacy. He desires closeness but also exhibits apprehension about intimacy, which manifests as avoidance.
Additionally, you received less attention in your original family, which has led to a strong desire for love and attention in your intimate relationships. You tend to expect your partners to prioritize your emotional needs and demonstrate consistent affection, otherwise you may feel isolated and neglected.
Due to the differences in your attachment styles, this can result in conflicts.
3. Boundaries
It is important to establish clear boundaries in any relationship. These boundaries should be mutually agreed upon and respected by both parties.
Your boyfriend requires personal time and space to enhance his sense of comfort, whereas you seek additional time and space to foster your relationship. It is evident that you lack an understanding of the significance of boundaries.
It is important to allow the other person a reasonable amount of space and time to handle personal matters that are not related to you. When expectations and needs are not aligned, conflicts may arise between the two parties.
4. Differences in Expectations
As previously stated, there is a discrepancy between your expectations of each other and your expectations of each other. Additionally, in communication, you tend to overlook the other person's perspective and assert your opinions, which often leads to conflict.
3. How to achieve compatibility
1. Alter the attachment type.
It is essential that both parties understand each other's attachment styles and establish a peaceful attachment system.
It is essential to establish clear boundaries and space.
Allow your boyfriend a relatively closed space in which he may release himself, experience his own existence, engage in activities that align with his preferences, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
It is essential to gain an understanding of the other person.
It is important to note that the indifference displayed by your partner towards people and things around him does not necessarily indicate a lack of love for you. By understanding the characteristics of his personality, you can provide him with the necessary space to utilize his subjective initiative, achieve results, experience a sense of accomplishment, and develop confidence. This will also encourage him to demonstrate confidence in your relationship and spend time with you.
The ability to work independently and with confidence.
This enables a transition from an anxious attachment style to a secure attachment style. It is important to provide yourself with a sense of security.
When working independently, it is important to maintain a sense of self-control and confidence.
While you are alone, arrange various things for yourself and refrain from contacting the other person during this time. Take the opportunity to experience the benefits of independent existence and enjoy the positive aspects of being alone.
Your sense of security begins to develop.
? Self-mastery
A sense of self-control is a valuable asset. Insecurity often stems from a lack of control, accompanied by a fear of losing a great deal.
You choose to pursue your own objectives and maintain a sense of control, which in turn enhances your sense of security. Even in the event of a potential separation, you will be confident in your ability to cope.
2. Meet expectations.
One of the causes of the conflict mentioned earlier is the inconsistency between your respective expectations. It is therefore important to use effective communication to reconcile these inconsistent expectations. The more you can agree, the better your relationship will become.
3⃣, Emotional connection
It is important to focus on emotional connections, use expressions of love for each other, and enhance emotional communication and good intimacy.
It is important to recognize that everyone has a different understanding of love and that the way they express and receive love is likely to be different. Dr. Gary Chapman has developed a framework for understanding the various ways in which people express and receive love. This framework categorizes the ways in which people express and receive love into five "languages of love": "affirming words," "deliberate moments," "exchanging gifts," "acts of service," and "physical touch."
Affirming words are an important aspect of communication in any professional setting. They demonstrate appreciation and support, which are essential for fostering positive relationships and maintaining a healthy work environment.
It is important to recognize that individuals in various relationships, including friends, colleagues, romantic partners, and spouses, all require positive reinforcement and affirmation. Providing additional constructive feedback can enhance mutual respect and affection.
Moments of care
A "moment of care" refers to a special moment or experience shared by both parties, such as a candlelit dinner or a meaningful activity together. During these moments, it is important to give your full attention to the other person.
Accept gifts.
The exchange of gifts on significant occasions is a deeply ritualistic act. This ritual, along with the gift itself, can serve as a powerful bond between two individuals.
Service actions
In essence, it is important to do what the other person wants you to do and to make the other person happy through the services you provide. Such service actions are often the little things in life.
It is recommended that physical contact be made.
Physical contact, such as holding hands or hugging, can enhance feelings of intimacy and serve as an expression of love.
The expression of love can enhance intimacy and facilitate conflict resolution, strengthening the relationship.
Dear Questioner,
I encourage you to prioritize the nurturing of your intimate relationship. I am confident that with your continued attention to this aspect of your life, you will find mutual growth and fulfillment.
I would like to extend my best wishes to the original poster for a happy holiday season.
Comments
I understand how stressful everything must be for him right now, with the hospital practice and the postgraduate exam prep. It's overwhelming. Maybe I can tell him it's okay to take a moment for himself, but he shouldn't push me away. We can support each other through this tough time. Let's talk about his fears and work on them together.
It sounds like he's under a lot of pressure and maybe feeling insecure. Instead of focusing on what's pulling us apart, we could focus on our goals and how much I believe in his abilities. I'll remind him that I'm here for him, no matter the outcome of the exams, and that his worth isn't defined by them.
He might just need some space to concentrate on his studies, which is understandable. But I also want him to know that I'm not going anywhere. I can offer my support in any way he needs, whether it's being there to listen or helping him study. I hope he realizes we can face these challenges as a team.