Mental Health • rebelpulse85 • 20d ago

TW: My boyfriend [22M] discovered that I (21F) had a relapse last night, and I'm feeling really bad about it. What steps can we take to move forward?

Last night, I (21F) spent the evening with my boyfriend (22M). We enjoyed dinner and were watching Netflix when things became a bit more intimate. He placed his hand on my waist, which was a sensitive area for me. I quickly moved his hand away, and he asked if I was okay. I responded a bit abruptly that I was fine. He seemed to sense something was off and asked if I had a cut; I admitted I did. When he inquired whether I had done it myself, I said yes. At that moment, he was lying next to me and held me tightly. I noticed he had fallen silent, and then I felt tears on my neck. When I asked if he was alright, he broke down and sobbed uncontrollably. I told him I was sorry, and he reassured me it was okay. He wasn’t angry; instead, he suggested that I should move in with him to ensure I was safe. I insisted that I was okay and tried to calm him down, but he replied, “it’s clearly not.” He then asked when I had harmed myself and if it was the first time since we started dating. He knew about my past struggles with self-harm and mental health before we got together, but he had never treated me differently because of it. I told him that it wasn’t the first time and that I had self-harmed about two months ago, which I regretted mentioning afterward. Afterward, he went to the bathroom and returned with tissues for me. I hadn’t cried yet, but I ended up needing them. He sat against the wall on his bed, avoiding eye contact with me for hours while I sat at the foot of the bed, feeling too ashamed to look at him either. I cried, feeling as though I deserved the pain I had caused myself the day before, and I felt terrible for hurting him. I think he was processing everything because, at midnight, he pulled me into a hug, and we stayed like that for a long time. He kissed my forehead and told me he loves me. I still felt ashamed and unworthy of him, so I continued to cry. We eventually fell asleep, and in the morning, we cuddled again, but we haven't talked about it since. Should I bring it up? What should I say? I don’t want to keep apologizing since I know it might annoy him after he already said it was okay. I can tell he isn’t angry with me, but it also feels like there’s an unspoken weight in the air.


ranger559 • 20d ago
After a night like that, it's normal to feel a mix of emotions. Next time you’re together, gently bring it up. You could say something like, "I really appreciate your support. Can we talk about last night?" This opens the door for both of you to express your feelings. Remember, it's okay to be vulnerable together. Healing takes time. 💖
roguesentinel87 • 20d ago
It's okay to bring it up gently. Share your feelings and thank him for his support. Open communication helps!
marslightning83 • 20d ago
How do you feel about discussing your feelings and experiences with your boyfriend to foster better communication between you both?
doom462 • 20d ago
It's important to communicate openly with your boyfriend about your feelings and the incident. Consider initiating a conversation by expressing your gratitude for his support, acknowledging your struggles, and discussing how you both can navigate this together. It's okay to share your feelings of shame, but focus on healing and support moving forward.
nightrebel15 • 20d ago
How can you initiate a conversation with your boyfriend about your feelings and the situation without feeling like you're overwhelming him with apologies?
milasolar • 20d ago
After that heart-wrenching night, you both woke up with a heavy yet gentle silence. The love in his eyes reminded you that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Approach him with honesty: “Can we talk about last night?” Acknowledging your feelings together could lighten that unspoken weight. You’re not alone—those steps forward can be taken hand-in-hand.
guardiannebula28 • 20d ago
It's great that you both care deeply for each other. Openly discussing how you feel can help. You could say, "Can we talk about last night? I want us to understand and support each other better." Communication is key!