What is what to do when boyfriend pulls away?

When a boyfriend pulls away, it can be a confusing and emotionally challenging experience. Here's some advice:

  • Give Him Space: It might be tempting to smother him with attention and questions, but often, pulling back is a sign he needs some room. Respect that need. This is connected to understanding his attachment style.
  • Communicate Calmly: Once some time has passed, initiate a calm and non-accusatory conversation. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and ask him directly what's going on. For example, "I've noticed you've seemed a bit distant lately, and I wanted to check in. Is everything okay?" Focus on effective communication.
  • Avoid Assuming: Don't jump to conclusions. He might be stressed about work, family issues, or something completely unrelated to the relationship. Let him explain his perspective.
  • Focus on Yourself: During this time, invest in your own well-being. Engage in activities you enjoy, spend time with friends and family, and practice self-care. This helps you maintain your emotional balance and avoid becoming overly dependent on his attention. This is important for your own emotional well-being.
  • Consider the Reason: Try to understand why he might be pulling away. Is it a pattern in your relationship? Has something specific happened recently? Has there been a change in his mental health?
  • Re-evaluate Your Needs: Consider whether your needs are being met in the relationship. Are you consistently happy and fulfilled? If his pulling away is a recurring issue that impacts your happiness, it might be time to re-evaluate the relationship's long-term viability.
  • Set Boundaries: It's important to establish healthy boundaries. Let him know what your expectations are in the relationship and what you are and are not willing to accept.
  • Seek Professional Help: If communication is consistently difficult or if the situation is causing significant distress, consider couples therapy. A therapist can provide tools and guidance for improving communication and navigating relationship challenges, or even individual therapy to assess your relationship patterns.