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How do I tell my boyfriend I'm not happy?

307 Answers
Last Updated: 06/08/2022 at 7:13pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Greece
Moderated by

Johanna Liasides, MSc, PhDc

Psychologist

I work with youth and young adults to help them improve depressive symptoms and self-esteem as well as effectively address family, relationship and peer conflicts.

Top Rated Answers
MulberryTree
March 6th, 2022 1:12am
If you aren't happy in a relationship, sometimes it's the best for both people to be honest about it. Being in a one-sided relationship doesn't benefit either partner in the long run and bottling it up and not telling him can slowly fester into resentment because you feel like you're trapped in a relationship you're not happy in. Be honest with him and tell him how you're feeling, because that lets him know right off the bat and makes you feel better for being open about how you're feeling. Especially if you feel like you don't want the relationship to continue long-term, it's best to get it out in the open sooner rather than later
Anonymous
March 23rd, 2022 10:55pm
Just tell him straight away. Be direct. If you feel like the relationship is not going forward, you do not feel satisfied in many areas of your life, nothing is changing than sure as hell it's time to let go of someone. The "+-+" technique seems like a good starting point in situation like this. You can always start by saying the good things about the relationship you're in and about your partner, but then you say stuff that makes you unhappy and uncomfortable and such and then finish it with something good and hopeful so that your partner can see that you are willing to work on a relationship if some things change.
wildnwitchy
March 31st, 2022 2:13am
Clear communication is the best way to give someone the opportunity to meet your needs, and also for you to understand what expectations others might have from you to meet theirs. Pick a time and place that feels neutral, where you can both focus on each other. You could try framing it like, "Lately I have been feeling unhappy in our relationship, and I'd like to discuss it with you. Is now a good time?". Make sure that your partner is in a place to receive information before you dump it on them so that there is opportunity to discuss it together. Then, just be honest! What are you feeling? Why do you think you might be feeling this way? You could try, "When you do/say/dont do _________, I feel ______________.". If its not because of something they have done/said/haven't done, then simply share the feelings that are coming up for you. You could even try to include the solutions you have in mind, or offer space for your partner to give solutions that come to their mind. Honesty is the best policy. Clear, calm, direct communication is the best way to express your needs and give others the opportunity to meet them. Good luck :)
advance4Spirit
April 23rd, 2022 9:15pm
Sharing feelings of unhappiness in a relationship is very challenging. When I feel unhappy I first check myself and journal to determine if the cause is due to dissatisfaction with myself in terms of expectations or performance in any area of my life, if this is this case then sharing these feelings become easier. The real challenge arise if after self examination I recognize it is some aspect of my partner that is the reason for my feelings. I then try my best to determine what that aspect is and to recognize my partner should not be defined by an act, activities or a specific trait. In this awareness I would share by first reminding my partner of the things I appreciate about them and then point out what I maybe feeling unhappy and start a conversation to arrive at possible solutions or steps I or we can take to address these feelings.
CoachA
May 13th, 2022 9:19pm
Being honest about your feelings an intimate relationship can be very hard. But honesty is also the only way to be sure that both you and your boyfriend can have a fulfilling relationship or make the changes needed. Spend a bit of time with yourself getting clear and your thoughts and feelings. What is it that is making you unhappy? What is it that you would like to see in the relationship? The more clear you are with yourself, the better you’ll be able to articulate what you’re feeling with him and ask for what you need. You will know your boyfriend better than anyone, so you will know the right setting to have the conversation in. Trust yourself and do your best to be honest. You can’t control how he will respond but starting this conversation at a time and place that feels like there was enough trust and safety is important. For example, you may not want to bring this up on the back of another argument as a reaction. Pressed yourself, and give yourself a hand for acknowledging your feelings and taking steps forward.
Healtogether702
May 14th, 2022 1:46pm
in a relationship, especially a romantic one, we always expect that we will be heard and accepted and understood. But at the same time we often keep more from our loved ones because we are scared to hurt them, or we don't want to let them down, or we are afraid of their reaction and that maybe telling about your feelings will somehow shake the foundation of a relationship. Whilst I don't advocate absolute brutal honesty every single minute (if your boyfriend's stew today wasn't his best creation), being able to talk about core feelings and values is what keeps the emotional connection strong. If you are unhappy, the chances are that your partner is already picking up on those subtle signals and is probably tense about asking or trying to not notice them because they are scared what the reasons may be. Regardless of why that is, the issues that are left unspoken eventually become an elephant in the room and with an elephant being in the room, there is little more that you can see. It kind of blocks the view, if you know what I mean. So I think that it is better to sit down together, and preferably not when the tensions are running high already (you both need to be calm for this) and tell your partner that lately you have had feelings of ...... Of course, the reason for your unhappiness plays a part here. If you are unhappy because you fell out of love and don't want to work on the relationship anymore, then there is one approach. If you feel unhappy because your emotional or other needs aren't being met but you want to resolve it together, then the choice of words is different. I would only just say that it is better to avoid the blame game and focus on how you feel and what you think might help. When approached from the position of love, most issues can be resolved in a couple, provided that both are willing to work on it and no abuse is involved.
Anonymous
June 8th, 2022 7:13pm
Being unhappy in a relationship is as serious as one makes it. Informing your significant other is a big step toward taking care of yourself. In order to create a safe space for yourself and your partner, try to pick a location you're both comfortable in. This way, it'll be easier for you two both to talk. The next thing I'd do is sit them down and explain that you want to discuss something important within your relationship. This will allow them to understand that what you're about to talk to them about is something serious. Next, discuss what's been bothering you but try not to blame your partner even if you do feel it's their fault. This will help eliminate negative energy as "blaming" someone is something many people tend to get defensive about. Being calm and understanding is the most important thing to do when discussing something important within a relationship as it creates healthy/positive communication.