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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Overcoming anxiety in relationship?

6 replies

JumpingFr · 26/02/2021 17:02

I feel anxiety a lot over my relationship. I have had this to an extent in previous relationships, but I feel like lockdown has really added to the pressure. It's like my world has got much smaller, so my boyfriend has become a bigger part.

We are both in our 40s. He is busy (as am I!) so I try to keep communication natural, friendly etc. However I find that if he doesn't reply to a good night message a few nights in a week, or stops bothering with 'loving' messages, or seems unbothered about seeing me (we see each other weekends only) then I start worrying, get anxious, ask if he still wants the relationshipBlush . He then reassures me, seems totally oblivious that there's any issue, tells me I'm overthinking. He will then be very conscious and sensitive to show 'love' but inevitably we seem to end up going in cycles.

He rarely tells me he loves me, it doesn't seem to be his way, he saves it for valentines or birthdays I think! He is very considerate in bed, loving in a physical way, but he doesn't express it much with words. If I ask him to spend more time with me, he tends to do it, but he doesn't tend to suggest it himself. Our weekend plans are sometimes thwarted by his kids activities/work commitments due to homeschooling etc. Fair enough, maybe this will get easier after lockdown. I dont put him under pressure.

I just wondered if anyone has techniques that helped them feel more secure? I try to go for walks with friends, hobbies, work, focus on my kids. I just feel quite emotionally exposed.

OP posts:
seensome · 26/02/2021 17:16

I don't think you are totally happy with what he has to offer, maybe it's his way but doesn't mean it right for you, that's why you feel anxious.
Seems like you are the one to be more proactive?
I would suggest pulling back a little, let him say goodnight first etc if he's really into you he won't be going anywhere and he'll step up if he thinks there's a chance he could lose you.
You both have to make the effort make him learn he has to do his share.

If you're still not happy, don't think it's your problem, you may just need someone more affectionate and emotional than he is.

autumnalrain · 26/02/2021 17:20

OP have you heard of love languages? Yours is words of affirmation and quality times and his is probably physical touch. It’s not that he doesn’t like you back it’s that he shows love in a different way. For example I’m not that bothered about ‘good morning’ or ‘goodnight’ texts I would prefer a nice massage or someone to run an errand for me. We all want affection in different ways.

However, it’s a bit concerning that you say he’s not bothered about seeing you. Do you mean he’s not bothered about seeing you’re than weekends (which is entirely reasonable if he’s busy with work and kids) or do you mean he’s not bothered about seeing you at all??

And just too add, Id stop asking him if he still wants the relationship because insecurity is very unattractive and eventually you’ll just push him away. Y

autumnalrain · 26/02/2021 17:22

*seeing you more than just weekends

JumpingFr · 26/02/2021 17:47

@autumnalrain thanks, I mean that when he cancels a weekend, it doesn't seem like a big deal to him, whereas I go into panic mode that he no longer wants a relationship. If a few things happen, eg weekend cancelled, less messages, no affection shown in messages, I tend to start asking if he wants to keep seeing me and he then seems surprised. Maybe we just don't understand how the other thinks...

I agree that insecurity is very attractive, I've been trying to build my confidence outside of the relationship.

OP posts:
autumnalrain · 26/02/2021 19:02

You need to communicate this all to him without panicking or accusing him of wanting out. Just clearly and calmly voice your needs

GeeBranzi · 07/03/2021 03:35

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