Relationship advices

I’m feeling unhappy due to the lack of a sexual relationship.

Hello, I'm a 24-year-old woman, and my partner is 23. Lately, we've been facing some challenges in our relationship. I have a high sex drive, which wasn't an issue for him at the beginning of our nearly one-year relationship. However, we've been having much less intimacy lately—typically just once a week for a few minutes without any foreplay, leaving me unfulfilled. I've expressed my feelings to him multiple times, and while he says he wants to improve things, there hasn't been any change. The main issue seems to be that he struggles to maintain an erection. I try to approach the situation with sensitivity and respect for his feelings, but I'm starting to feel neglected. I'm at a loss about what to do. The lack of intimacy is making me quite unhappy, yet I want to stay with him. Whenever I try to initiate, I'm usually met with rejection, and just thinking about our intimacy issues saddens me. I don’t want to pressure him into sex, but I also want to find a solution. Does anyone have any advice on how I can help improve our situation?

I discovered that my boyfriend is featured on 'Are We Dating the Same Guy,' and I suspect my roommate might be connected to it.

I (F27) recently shared my concerns about some troubling behavior from my roommate (F28). I've come to realize that she and a few people I once considered close friends have been speaking negatively about my boyfriend (M32) behind my back. It seems like she might want something to happen that would lead to our breakup. Given my concerns about my roommate potentially trying to interfere in my relationship, I checked her Facebook page and found a post about my boyfriend from a few days ago. With everything happening, I feel like I need more substantial evidence beyond an anonymous post. It’s hard for me to believe it, and I suspect I won’t fully accept it unless I can confirm it’s not someone I know. Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but I did reach out to the original poster for proof of their conversations, but they only responded that they met on Hinge and have been talking on Snapchat. I might be in denial, but my intuition is telling me something isn’t right. I'm feeling lost about what to do next.

How much are you prepared to overlook for the sake of love?

Hey everyone! I'm a 19-year-old female, and I've been in a relationship with my boyfriend, who's also 19, for over a year now. We met when we were both 17 and started dating when he was 17 and I was 18. A bit of background: I didn’t have healthy relationship role models growing up, just what I saw in movies and on TV. Because of this, I never really understood what a healthy relationship should look like—just the idealized version in my mind. I often turn to AI for advice on relationships, which is kind of funny. As an only child, I grew up pretty independent. My boyfriend, on the other hand, has had a mother and stepfather for most of his life, but there’s a noticeable emotional distance in his family dynamic. From what he's shared about his past, it seems there isn't much emotional closeness among them. Now, regarding our relationship: we've had our fair share of arguments and have had to make positive changes. We've both learned a lot and experienced some unhealthy phases, too. This is both of our first serious relationships. While I've dated a bit, it's never lasted due to my commitment issues, and he hasn't dated much either because he was homeschooled and primarily interested in flirting with girls online. Every challenge we face brings us closer together, and I'm proud to see our growth. He has a lot to learn about emotional intimacy since he was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and I sometimes feel like his parents didn’t provide enough support. This has resulted in me doing most of the emotional labor because he’s more emotionally immature than I am. Despite the challenges, he’s dedicated to me and is committed to improving, just as I am. Right now, things are going pretty well. So, here’s my question, and my TL;DR: If you're young and a bit immature—perhaps making mistakes—but very committed to the person you love, how much would you be willing to forgive? I'm looking for a general perspective since I’ve never modeled a healthy relationship, but I want to build one of my own. I know we're both young and bound to slip up—what’s a reasonable amount of forgiveness to expect in the name of true love? What constitutes a healthy and constructive approach?

Unusual sensation in that area.

I (FTM) have been in a relationship with my girlfriend (CF) for nearly two years, but we face a challenge: she won’t perform oral sex on me. This wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't for the fact that she really enjoys receiving oral sex herself. She mentioned that I have a 'weird texture' down there, which has made me feel incredibly insecure, especially as a transgender man. My girlfriend is cisgender, so she doesn't fully understand my feelings about this. Hearing her comment about the texture has triggered my pre-existing anxiety, leading me to obsessively clean the area in an attempt to change it. Every time I bring up the possibility of trying again, she immediately shuts me down. Although she talks about it in messages and calls, it often feels like she just isn’t in the mood when we’re together. I’ve scrubbed so much that I’ve caused irritation and swelling, yet I still feel unclean. I don’t have any issues with odor or hygiene—I use a loofah and warm water to wash regularly. Hair isn’t a problem either; I actually don’t shave because it makes her uncomfortable. I keep it trimmed, but I’ve noticed that I’m starting to lose hair in that area for unknown reasons. Am I doing something wrong?

Is it acceptable for my boyfriend to invite a female friend as his plus one to a work Christmas party that we both attend? I’m 35, and he’s 34.

My boyfriend and I have been officially dating for four months, though we've been involved longer than that. The main challenge in our relationship stems from his many female friends—some of whom I know and some he claims I don’t, simply because the topic hasn't come up. I feel that in a committed relationship, it’s concerning for my partner to have an abundance of female friends with whom he texts, FaceTimes, and spends time privately. He disagrees, insisting he should be free to be friends with whomever he chooses. I'm not saying he can't have those friendships; I just find it troubling and worry it could lead to misunderstandings or unwanted feelings. We both work together and are attending our office Christmas party, where we’re allowed to bring a plus one. He mentioned it would be fine to bring a female friend, and I find that disrespectful and inappropriate. When I shared my feelings with him, he asked how that could be disrespectful and pointed out that I seem overly concerned with what others think, calling me insecure and childish. I struggled to articulate why it bothers me so much. Ultimately, I asked if he could give me a heads-up about whether he planned to bring a female friend. He responded by saying, "Why should I have to tell you? Why does it matter? I can bring whoever I want." What do you think about this situation?

I'm a 21-year-old guy, and I have a long-distance girlfriend who's also 21. I can't shake the feeling that she might be involved with someone else.

After being apart from my girlfriend for 12 weeks, I finally visited her. On the first day—after we were intimate—I sensed that something felt off. While driving, I noticed she dimmed her phone’s brightness to send a text and then brightened it again for navigation. Although this isn't definitive proof, it reminds me of subtle signs I’ve picked up in past relationships that hinted something might be amiss. I'm going with her for the holidays to meet her family (whom I've met before) and her friends (whom I haven't met yet). How should I approach this topic?

I'm a 20-year-old female professional belly dancer, and my boyfriend, who is 19 and we've been together for a year, is asking me to give it up.

I've been practicing belly dancing since I was five, and I now perform at various events, parties, and even private gatherings. However, my boyfriend isn't supportive of it; he feels insecure and has asked me to stop because it makes him uncomfortable. Dancing is my true passion, and it plays a significant role in my life. We've been together for a year and share a physical connection (we have sex nearly every other date). I care for him deeply, but his insecurity is starting to put a strain on our relationship. Should I give up dancing to make him happy, or should I prioritize my passion and consider ending the relationship? I'm really torn about this situation. What would you do?

What happens if I don't conceive?

My boyfriend, 28, and I, 29, have been together for over seven years. We lived together for four years, and six months ago, we took the plunge and secured a loan to buy a house and lot. Throughout our relationship, I've frequently asked him when we would get married. His usual response has been that he wants to have a baby first. He has promised me that he will stay with me even if we don't end up having children. We've been trying to conceive for some time now, but it hasn’t happened yet. Last month, the doctor informed me that I have early signs of infertility, and I’m really scared about what that means. What if I end up being infertile? I worry that he might leave me. And what will happen to our house and everything we've built together? Three days ago, we had a fight, and I texted him suggesting we break up since I had blocked him on my social media accounts. I expressed that I was tired of the relationship and of him, but so far, he hasn’t reacted. We’re still sharing the same room but not communicating. I feel lost and overwhelmed. I’ve been diagnosed with emotional depression since 2018; it has its ups and downs but always seems to come back. I’ve struggled with thoughts of self-harm many times. Right now, I’m battling with my emotions, praying, and crying constantly. Please help me. I don’t know what to do in this situation. I love him, but I feel like I’ve reached my limit.

Relationship problem—could you please assist your girl?

I met a guy on Hinge last year, and we've been chatting since December. We quickly became friends with benefits and even started sharing photos. Recently, he proposed to me, but I responded with, “Let’s meet first and see.” Despite my hesitations, he keeps pushing the idea that we’re dating now. The thing is, he doesn’t message me very often, and sometimes takes over six hours to respond, claiming he was busy. While I don’t see any signs of him being with someone else, I'm feeling uncertain. Most of our conversations happen at night, and when we do talk, he’s sweet and reassuring, insisting he wouldn’t cheat and that he wants to be the best partner for me. We have plans to meet this week, but I’m feeling conflicted. Should I wait until we meet to express my feelings, or should I bring up his erratic communication beforehand? Am I wasting my time, or is there something I'm overlooking?

How to create distance from your partner discreetly

Good evening, everyone. My girlfriend (24) and I (23) have been in a relationship for about a year and a half, but we've been facing some challenges. One major issue is my discomfort with her family and friends; they often treat both of us poorly, and I feel quite devalued around them. Her family is very closed off, and their behavior towards her is harsh, which she seems to accept as normal. Her friends also don't treat her well, and again, she finds it acceptable. I’ve tried to communicate my feelings about these situations, but she doesn't seem interested in listening. She wants me to be a part of her life with them despite my discomfort. I'm beginning to feel like I'm the reason her friends don't talk to her like that as much anymore. Lately, she’s made me feel guilty for wanting to take a step back from her social circle, even though I’ve told her she’s free to do those things without me. I've reached a point where I feel the need to distance myself for my own mental health. It’s a tough decision, but I really can’t handle the emotional strain any longer. Any suggestions for how to do this discreetly?

Discovered videos of camgirls on my boyfriend's phone.

So, I (26F) have been in a relationship with my boyfriend (29M) for nine years. This year, we faced some challenges, and I was convinced we were heading towards a breakup. However, after having some deep conversations, we managed to improve our relationship. This morning, I felt an unsettling instinct and decided to look through his phone. To my dismay, I discovered several videos of camgirls in his gallery, a new Snapchat account where he follows a few NSFW profiles, and a Fansly account. In the early days of our relationship, he had subscribed to camgirls, and I made it clear that I considered that cheating since it felt more personal and involved him paying to watch them. He deleted his account back then, assuring me he wouldn't do it again. I genuinely thought he had stopped until now. I don’t know if he paid for all the videos in his gallery or if he accessed them for free, but I feel incredibly hurt and disgusted. I haven’t talked to him about it yet, as I had to leave this morning, but I’m at a loss for how to approach this when I return home. I took photos of what I found and plan to send them to him to show that I'm aware of what’s been happening. However, I’m torn between ending the relationship and expressing how much this has affected me, hoping he will change. I feel like my trust has been shattered again, and I know the insecurity will linger, making me feel compelled to check his phone like I did the first time.

How to Request Simple Photos (Non-Nude)

I'm an 18-year-old male in a long-distance relationship with my 19-year-old girlfriend, and we've been together for about five months. I believe it's important to share pictures regularly—not necessarily anything explicit, just everyday photos to keep each other connected and updated. However, I've noticed that she rarely sends me pictures compared to how often I send them. I really enjoy seeing her, so I'm wondering: what’s the best way to ask her politely for more photos?

My boyfriend won't be able to deceive me if he wants to be with me.

We've only been together for about 6-7 months (F20, M20). Recently, we moved in together because I had to relocate for work, and I needed a roommate to help with rent. Just before our move, I found out I was pregnant, which was a huge surprise since I already have a daughter. About a week ago, I noticed he was becoming easily irritated by small things and distancing himself. He’s been stressed out from work, which doesn’t help. When I asked him what was going on, he said he wasn’t sure if he wants to be with me and wanted to be honest instead of misleading me. He suggested taking a break—not to move out or date other people—but just to have some space. He mentioned that our recent arguments might be a factor, as I’ve been a bit snappy at times, but it's tough when I'm stressed too. Now I’m at a crossroads: Should I protect myself from further hurt and break up with him completely, or should I try to give him the space he needs? It’s a bit challenging to do that while still living together, but I’m willing to try. If I do give him space, should that mean no communication, or any physical affection? I’ve also scheduled an abortion because I don’t have the strength to bring a child into a broken family, and I believe it’s the best decision given the circumstances. Has anyone gone through something similar or have any advice?

Should I, a 20-year-old male, break up with my girlfriend, who is 21 and with whom I've been together for two years?

I'm a 19-year-old male, and I've been considering ending my two-year relationship with my 20-year-old girlfriend. Here are my reasons: 1) To be honest, I can't envision a future marriage with her. She annoys me at times, which hurts to admit, but it's the truth. 2) One of the main reasons I'm still with her is that she provides support with my college work. While I could manage on my own, her help makes balancing school and my workload easier. 3) Her parents dislike me. I got into trouble during high school, and I’ve barely spoken to her dad and only exchanged a few words with her mom over the past two years. Her dad is quite withdrawn, and I rarely visit their home. 4) Her friends seem to have issues with me as well. I don’t understand why, but they spread rumors about me and act friendly only when she’s around. 5) I've had concerns about her loyalty. While I wonder if I'm just being insecure, I’ve found texts from her about missing other guys just six months into our relationship. She also maintains contact with several of her exes and spends about 16 hours a week on extracurricular activities, which sometimes involve questionable late-night disappearances. Additionally, her friends aren’t exactly a positive influence on her. On the flip side, here are some reasons I hesitate to break up: 1) We’re often seen as a power couple among our friends. 2) Her help with my schoolwork significantly reduces my stress and saves me a lot of time. 3) She is my only girlfriend, while she has had more than a dozen exes. 4) I talk to her frequently; although I don’t rely on her emotionally, losing her would impact my social life. 5) She has been a positive force in my life, helping me get sober and distancing me from bad influences. So, what should I do? **In Summary** I’m thinking of breaking up with my girlfriend of two years because I don’t see a future with her, her friends and family dislike me, and I suspect she may have been unfaithful. However, I also want to stay with her because she’s my main social connection, my only girlfriend, she’s helped me get sober, and she alleviates a lot of my stress. What should I do?

I withheld something from my partner.

I kept something from my partner. I'm a 22-year-old woman, and I've been with my partner, who is 21, for over three years. Recently, I decided to come clean because she was starting to become suspicious. She generally feels uncomfortable around drugs and alcohol, and a few months ago, I tried a couple of zyns over the course of a couple of months since a friend was doing it. It wasn't a frequent occurrence, and I stopped after that. I hesitated to tell her because I didn’t want to upset her, especially since I’m not addicted or anything. She has previously expressed that she just wants me to be honest with her, even if it makes her uneasy at the moment. In hindsight, I realize that if I had just admitted it right away, it might not have been as big of a deal. I found myself caught in a dilemma about whether it was better to be honest or protect myself, and I now see that lying was the wrong choice. I know this situation isn’t just about me, but I am truly heartbroken. She means the world to me, and I can’t understand why I made such a poor decision. Now, I’m dealing with the fallout after six months of keeping this secret. I acknowledge that what I did was wrong, and she has every right to feel hurt or betrayed. I just don’t know how to move forward. It’s frustrating because if I had just owned up to it sooner, I would have avoided complicating things. My instincts to protect myself over my relationship led me here. Now she’s having a hard time trusting me, and I can’t shake the feeling of disgust toward myself. I pride myself on being honest in our relationship, so this lapse in judgment is particularly troubling. She doubts that this is the only thing I’ve kept from her, which is understandable. I’m at a loss for how to support her through this. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What can I do? Thank you for any advice. TL;DR - I lied to my partner about something relatively insignificant over an extended period to save face, and now I’m grappling with the consequences.

My boyfriend has carried over some toxic traits from previous relationships, and it's taken a toll on us.

I've been feeling really confused and have needed advice for quite some time. My partner, a 23-year-old man, and I, a 20-year-old woman, are in a complicated situation. His ex was incredibly toxic—she screamed at him every day, was physically abusive, and cheated on him throughout their 4.5-year relationship. I understand that this trauma has affected how he behaves now. The first issue is that early on in our relationship, whenever we went out, he would get upset and start yelling over minor things. I wasn't blameless either; I often worried he was checking out other women right in front of me. When I’d ask for reassurance, he would become defensive, interpreting my questions as accusations. I’m well aware that accusing someone isn’t a healthy way to communicate, as I’ve learned from therapy. Our arguments would last for hours, sometimes until 4 a.m. Thankfully, things have improved somewhat, but I still feel uncomfortable going out with him because of his past reactions and my own fears rooted in past experiences. I trust him, but I deal with my insecurities privately and only seek reassurance occasionally. The second issue is my struggle with panic attacks and anxiety. I often find myself in a state of panic for several hours daily. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to grasp this, or perhaps he lacks empathy. Recently, when I had a panic attack, instead of supporting me, he scolded me for not helping myself and insisted I take my prescribed medication—with an angry tone to boot. This has happened multiple times, leaving me feeling more like I need to explain myself rather than receiving the support that I need. While I manage my daily anxiety on my own, I just require extra support during panic episodes. The third issue arises when I try to discuss things that upset me; he often retreats into silence, looking sad and just repeating “I’m sorry.” I know this may be his way of coping, but it makes me feel guilty for expressing my feelings, and I often end up dropping the subject. It’s okay for him to feel bad, but it makes me anxious about bringing up my feelings in the first place. As for the medication I mentioned earlier—Zoloft—I’m scared to take it. I realize it might be beneficial, but with my panic disorder, the thought is daunting. His insistence that I take it during my episodes makes me feel misunderstood. I worry that if I experience side effects from the medication, I won’t have his support since he might panic, too, which doesn’t help when I need someone to ground me. Another issue is his behavior when he drinks. He tends to lash out, blaming me for things like my relationship with my mom. He never communicates these feelings calmly; instead, it all comes out in a drunken rage. I’ve worked hard to create an open, safe space for him to express himself, and I don’t retaliate, yet he still seems unable to speak up unless he’s intoxicated. The next day, he often regrets what he said, which leaves me bewildered. I’m feeling pretty exhausted. I can see he’s working on himself and has a sensitive, beautiful soul. He’s genuinely a good person, and with therapy and the right coping strategies, I believe he could be someone I want to spend my life with. I can tell he’s remorseful for his past mistakes and is making an effort. But I’m just tired of dealing with all of this. The mere thought of having a conversation about my feelings drains me. It’s like I need a nap before we even start talking. I worry that if I move on, I might never find someone as passionate and wonderful as he is. Still, I want to enjoy life; I’m 20, and I should be out having fun, not trapped in my room feeling anxious. While he's a great person, our relationship isn't where I want it to be. I don’t want to overlook its potential, but relationships require effort, and I feel like I have nothing left to give right now.

M24 continues to deceive me, F20.

I'm feeling really lost right now, so let me provide some context. My boyfriend and I started dating in July 2023 after meeting on Tinder. Our first date went wonderfully, and by our second date, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes, not realizing I was rushing into things without fully getting to know him. Two months into our relationship, I moved in with him, and we needed to find a new roommate. He announced on Snapchat that we were looking for someone, and a girl responded, claiming to be a “mutual friend from high school.” I took him at his word, and we started discussing her move-in date. However, I started to get an uneasy feeling about the whole situation. One day, he left his Apple Watch behind, and I heard it go off. Out of curiosity, I checked his messages and found her being overly friendly. She even mentioned swinging by his family’s house to grab some things, which confused me because he had told me they didn’t know each other well (can you see where this is heading?). When I confronted him about it, he gave me a weak excuse, and unfortunately, I believed him. As time passed, I had this nagging feeling that something was off, so I looked through his phone and found a message from him asking her why she had texted him on Instagram, to which she replied she was bored. I searched for their communication on Instagram and initially found nothing, but then discovered he had a secret account where he was messaging his ex. I was furious to find out he had been trying to get his ex to move in with us. We argued intensely, and I told him he needed to block her or I would leave. He reluctantly complied but then played this ridiculous game of unblocking her at work and blocking her again when he got home. This has been dragging on for months, and I’m feeling exhausted and unhappy. He's planning to change his number in January, but I’m not sure if I can ever fully trust him again. Today, she called him eight times, and they talked for around three hours. I’m beginning to doubt whether we can work it out, but I don’t know how to express that to him. He keeps saying I can leave if I want to, but it doesn’t feel that simple. My family might let me move back home, but I feel guilty about being a burden since money is tight for them and I wouldn’t even have a room. I want things to work out, but sometimes it feels like I’m talking to a child; he just doesn’t seem to grasp how I feel. If anyone has advice or could offer some validation, I’m really desperate for answers. It feels crazy to think he isn't considering how all of this affects me.

My girlfriend (18F) tends to overthink a lot, and it's starting to make me feel like she might not be that interested in me. Am I jumping to conclusions, or should I be more understanding?

My partner (19M, 18F) and I have been together for seven months, and we truly love each other. We've had many discussions about the seriousness of our relationship, and while we've had a few disagreements, we've always resolved them quickly because we're both good communicators. Lately, though, she occasionally has doubts about our relationship, questioning whether this is the right path for her or if she should explore other options. It’s important to note that she has never asked for a breakup or a break and has told me that her feelings of uncertainty stem from overthinking, something she’s actively working on. She's very open about her feelings and has expressed her belief that we are meant to be together, even discussing the possibility of marriage in the future. Yet, her moments of doubt make me question her commitment and leave me feeling underappreciated. On the positive side, I have no doubt about her love for me. She has always treated our relationship with respect and affection, making me feel valued. However, when she shares her insecurities with me, it hurts and causes me to feel inadequate. I'm seeking advice on whether I should continue to hold on to this relationship or consider moving on. I genuinely want to make it work, but I’m open to taking the necessary steps if needed. I would appreciate any advice or perspectives on this situation. Thank you!

What strategies can I use to stop comparing myself to his ex?

I'm a 20-year-old woman struggling with self-confidence, and this weekend, I'm going to a small gathering for my boyfriend, Dan (21), and our friend, Mat, who is hosting a housewarming and Christmas party. Mat recently got engaged to his girlfriend, Sam, who he’s been with for nearly two years. Interestingly, Dan was in a situationship with Sam’s friend about a year ago. I often find it hard to feel good about my body and self-image. Although I’m fairly skinny at 5'6" and 130 lbs, I can’t shake the feeling that I have some “pudge” around my tummy because it isn’t toned. I also have what seems like a small butt, frequent acne, and not many friends. This weekend's party will have fewer than 17 guests, and Sam’s friend will be there too. Dan was uncertain about attending because of this history, but ultimately, he decided that supporting his friend was more important—especially since we’ll all be attending their wedding in less than a year. I'm feeling conflicted about how to handle this situation. I don’t want my insecurities to overshadow the event, but I worry that I won't be able to stop myself from comparing myself to her. If I choose not to go, I fear my imagination might run wild, and that could be even worse. I hate feeling so self-conscious, particularly about his past relationships. Dan has been with several people before, while I haven't dated since I was 15, and he's the only one I've ever been intimate with. He treats me incredibly well and is genuinely the best, but my anxiety and low self-esteem make me fixate on my perceived flaws. I often wonder if his exes were better in bed or more attractive. I'm at a loss about how to overcome these feelings. I’m tired of being hard on myself, yet I feel stuck in this mindset.

My new boyfriend mentioned he wants to reconnect with his ex.

I could really use some advice. My boyfriend (M, 28) and I have been dating for three months now. He was in a year-long relationship about ten months ago, and his girlfriend ended things, explaining that their futures didn’t align due to career goals. I find that puzzling because he’s very dedicated to his work—maybe there were other underlying issues. Since we started dating, he mentioned that she reached out to him, looking to reconnect. She’s aware that he’s in a new relationship. He declined her request to meet up, attributing it to us, but I can’t shake the feeling that he might have wanted to see her. He even confessed to me last night while drunk that he had considered it. This has made me feel insecure, especially since our relationship is still new, and I’ve experienced cheating in the past (F, 28). His past relationship left him deeply hurt and struggling with depression for a while. I find it a bit surprising that she wants to meet up now, considering what he went through and the fact that he’s seeing someone new. It feels like a bit of a convenient excuse to me. He insists that they remained friends because she has a lot of trauma and that he was there for her and her family during their relationship, and they still check in occasionally.

Should I prioritize my own well-being or place more trust in her?

Hello! I'm a 21-year-old woman currently in a relationship with a 22-year-old woman. We've been together for 11 months, and I can honestly say that our relationship is healthy. She is incredibly kind to everyone in her life and always offers me reassurance when I have fears or concerns. She consistently demonstrates her commitment to us and has many exciting plans for our future adventures. Recently, she passed her board exam, while I'm in my last semester and will soon be preparing for my own exam. I find myself feeling anxious about what lies ahead in our journey together, so much so that I've even thought about breaking up with her (even though I love her dearly). I'm worried that if we were to break up, I might lose myself during my review period, and that it would affect my academic performance. How can I cope with the changes in our relationship? I'm seeking advice or stories from anyone who might relate to my situation. How can I manage my overthinking? Could my constant need for reassurance and worrying lead to an actual breakup?

Regarding relationships

This Saturday is my girlfriend's friend's (who is a guy) birthday party, and she wants to go. However, I’m not entirely comfortable with her attending. I care about her and tend to overthink things, so I don’t want to come across as overly possessive. We've been together for six months, and we both love each other deeply, but I can't shake this uneasy feeling. Should I let her go? I’d appreciate any thoughts on this!

Could you please tell me what's wrong with me?

The title poses a rhetorical question, and honestly, I feel like the biggest idiot sandwich ever. I’m a 21-year-old woman dating a wonderful 22-year-old man who has been the best thing in my life lately. Despite this, my life has a pretty dark past. My last three boyfriends cheated on me consecutively, and I stayed with them each time, only to be hurt again. One of my exes even cheated on my birthday, using the money I gave him for our electric bill to go to a strip club. My most recent breakup was about six months ago. Things went downhill when I refused to move in with him because I believed I shouldn’t have to relocate for someone to be loyal. We argued over minor issues that, in hindsight, were completely irrelevant. Ironically, we broke up on the very day I was supposed to move in with him. Nevertheless, we parted on good terms, promising to stay friends. We’ve known each other since elementary school and share a group of friends. Since then, I haven't truly healed. I thought I was doing okay, managing to push thoughts of my ex out of my mind by reminding myself of who he really was and how he made me feel—repeatedly. When I first met my current boyfriend, I was not looking for a new romance. I signed up for Tinder just out of boredom. We matched, he messaged me, and though I almost didn’t reply, his opening line was too amusing to ignore. I shared my Snapchat with him, and after a few days of chatting, I forgot about him. My demanding job as a handyman occasionally involves working 24-hour shifts with no sleep and tight deadlines. One night, I saw he had sent me multiple snaps, so I suggested we switch to texting. After that, we met up about a week later and instantly clicked. Fast forward to two months ago, I discovered I was pregnant. After much heartbreak, my boyfriend and I made the incredibly tough decision not to continue with the pregnancy. Since then, I haven’t been myself. He’s been there for me through every appointment, holding my hand while I faced the worst moments and caring for me when I was overwhelmed. I’d like to mention my ex again. Even after everything, I maintained a friendship with him because we have mutual friends and can’t avoid seeing each other. Recently, after he celebrated his birthday, I asked my boyfriend if it was okay for me to attend a party hosted by my ex. He surprisingly said yes, so I went. I brought some vodka, although I don’t typically drink much. The party was small, and I felt pretty comfortable, greeting my ex's mom with a hug. My ex hugged me, too, but it didn’t feel significant. We started chatting, and his mom encouraged me to take a shot with her. I have a limit of three drinks because I’m a lightweight. I had one shot but felt fine until another friend’s dad offered me a shot—he poured it directly into my mouth without a glass, and it was definitely a double. Soon after, my ex noticed I was struggling to stand and pulled me into another room for a chat. I kept the door open, trying to be cautious. He expressed gratitude for my presence and mentioned that it meant a lot to him. I asked about his new girlfriend, who he said couldn't attend. Out of nowhere, he offered me water, but I shrugged it off and asked for another shot instead. As I went to grab my drink, he pulled me back and kissed me. I was too shocked to respond. To clarify, I don’t drive at all—I'm not responsible enough for it. I was waiting for a family member to pick me up after their shift. In a panic, I broke away from him and ran to the bathroom to collect my thoughts, only to find him waiting with another shot outside afterward. In my anxiety, I took it, attempting to escape by stepping out for a cigarette, even though I don’t usually smoke. It calmed my nerves but left me feeling guilty for putting myself in that situation. When I went back inside, I found my ex again, and a moment of comfort led to me crying uncontrollably as he consoled me, wiping my tears away and encouraging me to breathe. Even though I hadn't mentioned my recent abortion to him, I couldn’t hold back my tears as memories flooded back. Despite the pain he caused me in the past, I felt a sense of security in his arms that I don’t experience with my current boyfriend. I found solace in a moment of weakness and gave in to a kiss from my ex. Instantly regretting it, I jumped up, dressed, and fled outside without shoes or a jacket. It was freezing, and I sat in a bush, sobbing until I felt ready to return. When I finally went back inside, I took another shot, feeling a strong urge to escape from my situation. My current boyfriend treats me incredibly well, but I struggle with self-worth, convinced I don't deserve him. It’s been four days since that night, and I haven’t talked much with him, but he knows something’s off. I plan to tell him face-to-face about what happened, but I’m terrified. Having endured betrayals myself, I never imagined inflicting such pain on someone else. I understand how selfish it is not to give someone the choice to forgive. Withholding this truth for three days weighs heavily on me, and I fear the hurt it will cause him. I aim to deliver my confession in person, but I'm unsure how to articulate it. I’ve realized I’ve become someone I despised—a cheater. I’m writing this to urge anyone reading not to make the same mistakes I did. Once betrayal occurs, it’s best to walk away immediately. I feel a heavy burden to bear, and if my boyfriend chooses to leave me, that’s something I'll have to accept. I intend to work on myself and grow from this experience. I truly hope I still have the chance for redemption.

Should I support my girlfriend in selling socks for extra money?

My girlfriend (22) and I (23) have been together for almost three years. During this time, she has shared personal stories about how she used to sell her socks and make a good amount of money from it. She's mentioned several times that she's struggling financially, even though she has a full-time job that pays poorly and requires her to commute over 100 miles daily. She’s sticking with this job because it’s currently the only one within a 50-mile radius that will provide her with valuable experience for her career. She understands my discomfort about the sock selling, but to her, it’s not sexual; it’s just a straightforward transaction — wear them, send them off, get paid, and move on. While the idea of what others might do with them is a bit off-putting to me, I can see that it has the potential to generate considerable income and that her previous experience in this area could give her a head start. I’m feeling conflicted and could use some advice. On one hand, there's the allure of good money, but on the other hand, it feels strange. Since she can separate her feelings about it so easily, I’m left wondering if I can do the same. **TL;DR**: My girlfriend wants to start selling socks online again to earn extra money. She views it as a practical solution to her financial struggles, while I feel uneasy about it. I'm uncertain whether I should support her decision.

Not really looking for advice, just expressing some frustration.

I'm a 33-year-old Latina woman, never married and without children. I've built a fulfilling career and take good care of myself. I've traveled extensively, have a vibrant social life, and a lot of friends! I’m a natural nurturer — I enjoy cooking and keeping my home tidy... and yet, I feel profoundly lonely. It's been eight years since I was last in a relationship. I've tried dating and had some situationships, but nothing ever seems to last. I've faced infidelity, been misled, and heard that I'm either too much or not enough—it's exhausting. What I truly long for is someone who wants to be with me, to enjoy a movie together sometimes, to be my best friend, to share dinners, to hold hands, and share tender moments. Casual encounters feel so empty and monotonous. I know I'm not unattractive, both in appearance and personality—it’s easy to get along with me. My friends are just as confused as I am about my dating life. Earlier this year, I decided to embrace being single, convincing myself I could do it forever and that I was content—only to find myself drawn to someone who reignited my hope of finding "the one." Then it was all dashed when I was told I’m “too much.” I’m just... so tired of all this. I’ve tried stepping outside my comfort zone to date different types of guys, but still, nothing seems to stick. I'm genuinely scared that I might never find someone special, that I may never have a chance to have my own children, or to have my person to share my life with. It's incredibly disheartening. I'm weary of juggling multiple connections without any real fulfillment. I wish there was someone who could offer me some comfort, yet I feel vulnerable sharing this with friends. It’s like I’m being overlooked, as if God isn’t listening to me at all. I truly feel isolated and unwanted.

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