[jillybean12345]

My partner of almost 2 years told me today that he doesn't feel like he can talk to me about his problems & stress because he doesn't want to make my stress worse. I'm currently in a living situation that is bad for everyone involved. I have an anxiety disorder so I'm not always stable. He sees how unhappy and stressed I am and he helps in every way he possibly can (emotionally, physically, spiritually). His parent's are both deceased. The only family he really has is his grandmother (who doesn't like to talk) and 10 year old brother. I can't just say I can help him, and that he can talk to me. I need to show him. I just don't know how. He's a very emotionally closed off person. It kills me that I can't do for him what he does for me. I hate to see him suffer and bury his problems deeper. I just don't know where to go from here. Suggestions?

[JudyKayTee]

You've already discussed this and he's already told you how he feels on the issue. I think the best you can is not nag him to share with you but be there when he's stressed and does or doesn't want to talk.

If he doesn't want to share, doesn't feel comfortable sharing for whatever reason, there's very little you can do to change that.

[jillybean12345]

Does a relationship really work if only one person is doing the work?

[jillybean12345]

He's the one who brought it to my attention. I can tell he wants it to change but I don't think he knows how to.