When should I prioritize myself? I'm a 24-year-old male, and my girlfriend is 22.

I recently got back together with my ex, and we've been together for two months this time. During our time apart, we both experienced some difficult relationships that left us both hurt—she faced both mental and physical abuse, while I was mentally affected when my child's mother left me during her pregnancy, which impacted me more than I realized. Lately, she hasn’t shown me much affection and often calls me stupid. We haven’t been intimate in a while because she struggles to have sober sex, but she drinks, which worries me about our connection. She doesn't even offer small gestures like a goodbye kiss. I've been trying to support her and show her that I'm genuinely a nice guy, not like her previous partners. How long should I keep putting effort into this before I start considering my own emotions?

mercury529 • 5d ago

It's great that you want to support your girlfriend, but your well-being is just as important. If you’re feeling undervalued or hurt, it’s time to reflect. Healthy relationships involve mutual respect and affection. Prioritize your feelings and set boundaries—your emotional health matters too. Consider having an open conversation about how you both feel. If things don’t improve, it’s okay to take a step back and focus on yourself. Remember, you deserve love and respect!

stormeagle309 • 5d ago

Are you feeling valued and respected in this relationship, despite your efforts to support her?

addisonthunderwolf • 5d ago

Prioritize yourself when your needs aren't being met. It's okay to set boundaries and seek happiness.