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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
Anonymous
February 8th, 2020 3:43pm
Think about what exactly makes you unhappy and what he could do to change that. Then tell him, theres something bothering you and you would need him to sort things through. Tell him about your concerns, do not once blame him, but explain your feelings. Hopefully he can understand! You can ask him, if he can think of anything to change the situation, if he cannot you have already made up your minde before and can present you possible solution. Ask him what he thinks about it, if he can imagine doing that or behaving that way. Be open to alterations from his side! Remember, you dont have to sort it out in that exact moment, its ok to have a good nights sleep and rediscuss the next day.
dancingWindow303
February 8th, 2020 10:05pm
Send him a long or short text (I'm a text person and conversations like this aren't easy in person) and be honest about how you feel. Don't beat around the bush. List the reasons why you are not happy, nobody will sue you for speaking your mind. If you want to tall him in person and you feel you can then set a time and let him know. When you meet, talk to him about your feelings and the reasons. In both cases, when you are done, try to suggest ways you problem can be helped. Ask him for his opinions too.
beautifulmind2822
March 5th, 2020 5:12pm
You must find time where both of you can talk with no interruptions ,This is really important . If you are unhappy with the way your relationship is going . Or if something else is making you unhappy. Then its important that you handle the situation with sensitivity .explain that you need to say your part first ..then he can talk and you listen to his thoughts too. make sure that you both get heard and if things get heated then make the decision for you both to have time to think about what has been said .then you both will be able to think clearly. I hope all goes well for you both
PeacefulSea20
March 13th, 2020 2:47am
Sit down together and start and honest but caring conversation telling him how you feel and what is the reason for you feel that way. Be open and honest. He is on your side and you are on his. Being open and vulnerable with someone you are close with helps both of you to navigate through hard times. It can be a painful and sad conversation but it might be freeing and a first step to being happy again. It's good start to be honest with yourself why you are unhappy and then tell your partner the truth. You can always start with - i need to tell you something and it might be hard to listen but I am not happy because... I hope this helps
Anonymous
March 27th, 2020 6:02am
Communication and location is key, if you are unhappy with the relationship or with your boyfriend, find a good place where you are comfortable and this conversation can continue, I would avoid texting as your boyfriend might not get the seriousness of your tone of voice. I recommend in person but if that is too hard for you, a phone call should suffice. Being able to express how one feels in a relationship can be hard and although there are challenges that push out of our comfort zone. These are steps that much be taken that can ensure a healthy relationship now and in the future.
CaringSoul294
March 27th, 2020 4:18pm
The easiest way, as I like to put it, is "trust the process". Having someone that understands your emotions as well as you as a person is super important. If you are unhappy, bring it up at a time when there aren't many distractions, be super mild about it and just bring it up in a calm manner. Your calm way of bringing it out will ensure that he has a decently calm reaction to it. If your partner isn't able to talk to you about your emotions, I would say its better to bring it up to him in a more serious manner.
Anonymous
March 29th, 2020 9:28pm
Expressing oneself is very important in a relationship. I would suggest to find a moment where you can both give each other the attention you deserve (not when you are busy). This might be when you are both calm at home. In my relationship I see that transparency helps a lot, and that sometimes the other wants to help but cannot do so because of a lack of information. Therefore, once you are both sitting down calmly, tell your partner exactly how you are feeling and suggest a way he can support you (if you want). Sometimes we hide how we are doing because we feel pressured to be happy and good all the time, but it is completely normal to go through some hard things sometimes and be unhappy.
DiamondBlossom
April 3rd, 2020 4:17pm
In my experience, it is best to start the talk while you're both calm and not under stress or tension. So, don't do it, for example, as soon as he gets home from work. Wait until the right moment, unless there could happen an unnecessary fight. Avoid starting with the sentence "We need to talk", that one momentarily causes anxiety and makes another person start acting defensive. The speech itself isn't easy. Try to be short and concise, but also detailed about your feelings. Do not start sentences with "You did" or "You think", rather start with "I feel" and "I think". Be gentle and listen to what he has to say. It should go normal after.
ImHereForYou365
April 11th, 2020 1:16pm
Telling your boyfriend that you are not happy it’s a difficult thing because you hold in your hands the other person’s feelings and you have to be careful. Obviously if you are not happy he deserves to know it and telling him that you are not happy it’s not a reason for a breakup, talk through it, tell him what will make you happier and be optimistic. In a relationship communication is the key. Also think about the reasons and ask yourself if these specific reasons don’t make so there will be no misunderstanding. People deserve a second chance so don’t be afraid to give one.
Amyspirit1111
April 16th, 2020 8:50pm
I'm so sorry you're needing to address this. Can you think about how you would like to be approached if you were in his shoes? Sometimes it's easier to put yourself there to be able to see what he may need. I've found that instead of focusing on myself and how miserable I feel about needing to talk to him that if I honor what he might need it relieves my own anxiety. What would this look like if you were to approach it in this manner? It could turn out to be a good conversation for both of you.
SamwiseTheBrave24
April 24th, 2020 7:32pm
Being unhappy can mean many things, either way, it is important to share with those close to us. Approach the conversation with as much empathy as you can. Be certain you are heard, but also encourage your boyfriend to be open as well. A loving relationship is a team. All parts matter equally. If you find you have difficulty voicing your concerns, do not be afraid to write down a short list and bring it with you into the conversation. Having even just a few blurbs on a napkin can serve as emotional support in hard conversation.
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2020 3:19pm
Start by choosing a time where you can have a conversation without distractions and where neither of you needs to leave soon. Make sure he has nothing else on his mind, for example by asking him. Then when you're both in a calm mindset, tell him that your relationship is important to you and that there is something you would like to talk about. It may be more difficult if he has something of his own to think through. You can be there for him. Then when he is more relaxed and receptive, start a separate conversation. It can help to say that you're having this conversation because he is important to you and you want to work on your relationship and want it to carry on. It is also fair to give him the chance to say whether he is happy or not - give him the same opportunity to explore this as you would want from him.
ComfortingMeow
May 2nd, 2020 6:14pm
Hi! Maybe you could first think about specific things that you are not happy about and then tell him about those. For example, if you are unhappy because he's always playing video games instead of spending time with you, if he never takes the dog for a walk, if he doesn't listen to you when you speak, if he doesn't memorize things that are important to you, you should tell him that. Make a list and present it to him. Don't just tell you're unhappy and expect him to fix things, tell him the exact problems and solutions. I suppose you don't just want to break up, because I see that you still care by asking this question. Good luck!
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2020 7:31pm
If you're not happy, you should leave. If he doesn't appreciate you or treat you with the respect you deserve. Then leave. You don't deserve this. You can do better. If you feel like you can't live without him and you've done everything possible to make it work and it doesn't. Believe me when I say this life won't end. It goes on. You'll survive and make the most out of life. Eventually, you'll find someone that makes you happy. They are ups and downs in every relationship. But when they are too many downs. You just have to question it. If the answer is no then just leave. No one will blame you and I feel like he'll appreciate your honesty and maybe you can work it out. If not there's always the door
AnnaB3
June 5th, 2020 5:28pm
The most important thing in any conversation is honesty. Think to yourself what it is making you unhappy and do your best to share this with him in the most honest way possible. I have been in a similar situation and for a long time I wasn’t completely honest and the problem just continued, once I was honest with both myself and him, I felt so much better and it led me in the right direction to being happier. Remember that this honesty will be good for both you and him, you deserve to be honest and he deserves to hear your truth. Good luck!
Anonymous
June 13th, 2020 2:01am
It may be hard to get up the confidence, but directly is always best. Try to do it with some sort of goal, something you want to get out of it. If you have intent going into it, it shows him you care. Try to figure out why you aren't happy before telling him. If you find a specific thing that you find makes you unhappy, ask him about that. Being as specific as possible will help him listen to you rather than make him upset. If you're looking for a specific outcome, phrase your questions directing the conversation there.
Anonymous
July 4th, 2020 10:01am
Mutual communication and understanding are essential in any relationship, so make sure both of you sit down and have a heart to heart with each other. Let him know the reasons why you feel unhappy, solve it together. Never forget that it is the both of you against the problem, never you against him or vice versa. It could also help if you were to be straightforward with him as opposed to beating about the bush to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding. Even so, do not act harshly. Talk things through calmly even if things get heated. Acting in a fit of rage would only aggravate the situation.
bellarina74
July 5th, 2020 2:19pm
I have found that having an honest conversation doesn't always go as badly as I thought it would. If I am unhappy about an aspect or aspects of my relationship I ask if I can have a conversation with my partner at. Stone that suits us both so we give each other our full attention. One question I always ask myself is 'Am I unhappy enough to end the relationship or is this a problem that can be worked on'. Deciding if you still want to be in the relationship is the first step. The rest will follow in due course. Not being able to communicate at these times and avoiding the issues can easily be done. It's best to nip it in the bud though and move forward if possible.
abell0531
July 16th, 2020 6:47pm
To tell my boyfriend I’m not happy, I talk him through how I’ve felt and what makes me feel that way. After that we can discuss where to go from there. That makes it easier because it has open communication and I’m not pretending to feel a certain way about him that I’m not feeling. Overall it just leads to a better relationship and/or a better friendship in the future. Communication is important. And if I was feeling a certain way, I would make it my top priority to make him aware of my changing feelings, emotions, or thoughts.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2020 9:58am
some people are clueless if you're trying to 'ease in' what you're trying to say. honestly, be straight up about it - but not to the point where you're disrespecting him. for example, if you feel unhappy, ask if your partner can sit down with you, so that the two of you can have a discussion. it's best to do this in person rather that chat because messages can be interpreted differently. you need to be sure of what you are saying, don't let your partner play the guilt trip cup - or doubt yourself with what's making YOU unhappy. of course you'd need to be mindful, and choose what you say carefully - so both parties are calm and on the same page. address the situation with what is bothering you, see what you both can do, and it will work if you guys try working around it. if you two often disagree, there are too many arguments, you both don't reach a decision... sometimes that's okay. time will fix things. BUT... if this happens excessively, then you may want to rethink the relationship. would you rather brutal honesty or dishonesty?
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2020 8:08am
It’s best to let your significant other know while being honest, brave and compassionate. The situation is tough but gentle handling will ultimately serve you well in these unsettling moments. Remember to speak openly about any problems and look for a solution without casting shame or judgement. Although it can be painful, embarrassing and difficult, it’s always best to address these situations with total respect. Everyone deserves an honest truth. If you’re able to do so, try to clearly outline your problems in detail to avoid confusion. Although these circumstances may be uncertain, try to reach a conclusion which doesn’t leave any loose ends.
redemptionblue17
August 20th, 2020 3:46am
i know it's hard for us to utter unequivocally how we feel, we might think we're too egoist, aggressive, or intrusive. Many times we're more comfortable by telling it discreetly (talking roundabout), yet your boyfriend can't get it. Women are more perceptive if there are problems or things off, because since ages they're created by that instinct. So it seems you might want to tell your boyfriend, so he will understand you and mend it right? There are many ways and i'm not sure which fit for you, but there's a good why which "about me". Instead of making your boyfriend feel you're shoving them on edge (which makes them defensive before hearing you out). make them understand how you feel: 1.pinpoint their behavior 2. Put your interpretation 3. How you feel about it 4. Consequences of your feelings And try to keep on track with the present issue, not accumulating for the whole. Lastly, You might want to consider reading a book "Why Men lie and Women cry", to open your mind and understand each other characteristic. There are times instead of changing what you can't (after having hopes yet being spoiled), you could try accept it. I hope the best for both of you!
prosperosbowl
August 23rd, 2020 1:51am
Since it can be a difficult feeling to convey, I'd recommend talking about your feelings with another person you trust or journaling about it before telling your boyfriend. That way, you can organize your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes when jumping into the conversation, you might say things you don't mean or say things that the other person might take to offense. Organizing your thoughts and feelings beforehand could make it easier to articulate your honest feelings with him. It will also be easier to communicate in the conversation because you will be prepared and more confident in how you are feeling.
Anonymous
September 4th, 2020 1:18am
You have to be honest. It is scary, but being honest is the best thing for both of you. Maybe try to assess how they are feeling in the relationship. It's equally as much about his feelings as it is about yours, but at the end of the day if you are not happy. You have to let him know. Perhaps talking to a friend who has gone through something similar that you know of, or even possibly to your parents to get some advice would be helpful on how to properly approach the situation. Make sure of course to be respectful and kind. This is not your fault.
luzyamor37
September 20th, 2020 11:16am
Find a moment where you both can be relaxed, preferably, not in a public space, and explain in detail how you feel when this or that happens, and propose solutions. Ask for feedback and make sure that he understands how you want your relationship to be. If you do not know what you want from this relationship, first think about it. Is it possible that this relationship isn't just the only factor why you are not happy? What else makes you not to be happy? Can your boyfriend help? Try to stablish what is exactly your idea of happiness.
Anonymous
September 24th, 2020 12:58am
It can be difficult when you are not happy in a relationship and don't want to hurt your significant others feelings by saying how you really feel. I think your best option would to just be honest about how you feel. If you keep how you are feeling inside it will most likely end up making you feel even more unhappy. Putting how you feel out in the open could lead to changes in your relationship, which could be for the better. It would probably be good to do it somewhere privately so that you have the chance to talk alone. Just say how you really feel.
Anonymous
October 3rd, 2020 11:44pm
You walk up to him and say: I'm not happy. Such situations are really simple but feel incredibly complex because of the pain involved. Telling your partner you are dissatisfied is as simple as reading this, but experiencing guilt, uncertainty, anxiety, apprehension isn't that simple. Thing is, Pain is just part of the process. You can't have progress without struggle. The key to go through any conflict isn't the avoidance of the pain or the salvation from it, but rather the acceptance of the pain and active-engagement in it. When you ignore your pain you suffer, but when you engage your pain you grow.
Anonymous
October 21st, 2020 7:04pm
Discussing a lack of happiness in a relationship can be a tough subject to breach for anyone. If you are with this person, it's probable that you don't want to hurt them, so you may feel apprehensive about approaching this topic. That's totally understandable. However, even with apprehension, you should be able to have honest and open discussions with a partner, to disclose your feelings. That is a necessary component of healthy relationships. When approaching such a discussion, it's good to have clarity on what your feelings are exactly, and for that you may need to reflect. While reflecting, it might be helpful to ask yourself questions like "When can I tell I'm not happy?", "What triggers those not-happy feelings?", "Am I generally not happy, or am I not happy with a particular aspect of life (i.e. a job or relationship)?" Once you are able to answer such questions and have a better understanding of your feelings, start to think of ways you can express them. Consider ways you can tell your boyfriend how you feel in a way that he is likely to understand. Consider how to express your feelings in a way that is kind but honest. After, you should have clarity on what you want to say and how you will say it, so you should let your boyfriend know you want to talk about something and perhaps even set aside a particular time to do it. It's important to choose your setting wisely, it should be somewhere that is quiet and in a neutral setting. You should avoid breaching the topic in chaotic or dangerous situations such as a big family event or while driving in a car. Hopefully, with a little preparation and reflection, you will be able to have an honest conversation about your feelings.
Anonymous
October 30th, 2020 2:31pm
I am very straight forward with my answers. My answers come across only when I am sure that I won't be able to continue any longer. If I am not happy then boyfriend will also not be happy in the relationship. So I guess I will say it directly to his face rather than beating around the Bush. That way it will not make one fall prey to pretentiousness. And sooner or later words will define your state of mind. So without further consoling myself, I would opt for a one to one conversation to clear the air of misconception.
rocky4567
November 6th, 2020 5:48pm
Be honest with him. He should be understanding of your feelings. Do not sugar coat how you feel to make him feel better. It is okay to not be happy. That just means you have to voice your opinion and get things off your chest. That may make you guys' bond stronger by being honest. You know him, so figure out a way to be respectful and not angry. You should talk to him when you're in a clear headspace. That way you are not saying things you do not mean out of anger. I wish you nothing but the best!