Been exclusive with my boyfriend for 6 months who I met OLD. We live 40 min drive away from each other and try to see each other 3 times a week. we get on great with lots of shared interests. He us not my normally type, but his chat was good. On our first date we chatted for hours and the third date lasted 14 hours and it seemed like I had known him for years. However I feel since we have been on holiday he has been distant. Not too sure it’s me or stress.
At the start he was very keen. Not love bombing, but more keen than me and always available. He told me he loved me early on, where I replied I have strong feelings, don’t rush me and I have now fallen in love with him an he know this. He did say he gets emotionally attached which did make me slow things down - just checking he is not love bombing me etc. his actions always matched his words till recently.
he has a very highly pressured job. He worked his way up the ranks and is very much proud he managed to succeed with no degree. He keeps mentioning this as I have a degree, masters and studying for another qualification - I like to learn and my work pays for them. He likes to be alpha male, but not controlling way. I am independent and just let him get in with it. He respects my decisions and says he likes that I am independent.
However he hates his job at the moment and is causing him stress. He can’t sleep at night, has heartburn and it’s affecting our relationship as he is grumpy or just wants to watch tv. He is aware of this and has started to say he is too tired to met up as he will fall asleep or be snappy. Asked him if it was us and he says no.
we went on holiday last week in a multi trip city break. Was ok to spend 24/7 together, but at times we ran out of conversation. I also noticed he was not too fully comfortable in a country where he didn’t understand the language or culture - I did. He became grumpy as he didn’t want me to translate all the time or use local transport. He was used to package holidays in a tourist area. I had already booked this before he me, and he wanted to come along.
since returning last week I have not seen him. His texts have been short and not as often. He is part of a club which his ex used to be in. On social media he changed a picture to be if his club with a cheesy club caption, but it was an old picture which his girlfriend was in. I asked him and he said it was an old group photo and she is no longer part if the club - he hadn’t realised and means nothing. It’s still on there.
We were supposed to meet up during the week but he cancelled as he had to do urgent reports. He has not slept well since back at work and suffered constant heartburn. During holiday he slept well and had no heartburn. Returned since he has gone back to work - think it’s stress.
I am suppose to be at his all weekend, where he is on call. I am nervous to go round as I think the spark may have gone, well for him. I am not too sure he whether he is having a tough time at work so needs space or the holiday just showed we are not compatible. The photo of his old gf is annoying me too
what do I do?