Worried I may scare him off...

Illustration/Uday Mohite

I am struggling with my relationship not because my boyfriend and I have issues but because I have a lot of family problems going on. It is like being in a state of constant stress, and this ends up affecting how I treat my boyfriend when we meet. He knows I am going through a difficult time and has been very supportive, but I also know he is running out of patience because this isn't fair to him. He has nothing to do with what is going on in my household and has to keep trying to be nice because I can't pull it off. I am worried that he is soon going to wake up one morning and decide that this just isn't worth the trouble. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
You can acknowledge his support, thank him for trying, and tell him more about what's going on at home and how it is affecting you. We sometimes struggle to ask people for help, which gets in the way of how they interact with us. Relationships are tested during tough times, but this also builds resilience and strengthens bonds if you can find a way to connect with him in a better manner. Yes, it's possible that he may choose the easier way out, which you can't blame him for, but why assume the worst without trying to save what you have? You may not be able to compartmentalise your life at home and outside but telling him more about what you're going through may help him find a way of coping.

Does it mean someone likes you if they are constantly joking with you? My friends think this is what's happening with a common friend, but I am not sure if he is just being friendly.
How do you feel about him? Would you like it if he were to express an interest in you? If you have answers to those questions, nothing stops you from asking him out for a meal.

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