Is it really wrong?

1

I’ve recently gotten into a relationship with a boy that I’ve known for four years.
The first two, I fell in love instantly it was ridiculous but he was new to the town and became the school player. The next two were only small conversations here and there. You may be asking why I’m with him again? This time, it was actually him. He’s given a lot of time up for me, walked 7 miles almost every day here and back to see me. I’m not too trusting yet, but I do believe he’s changed for the better.
The real problem here though is that I struggle with bad social anxiety and he was recently put into a foster home. I have trouble meeting say one or two people, but now he wants me to meet five and get into a car which is the worst thing for me, feeling surrounded and isolated. I want to give it a go but I also don’t want to do it and get even more attached to later be hurt. Is it wrong that I’m anxious about it? We fight over it a lot.
The worst part is, my family hates him for his past. They have no idea.
I don’t know what to do!

Category: Tags: asked August 26, 2013

4 Answers

2
accepted
Wow, that sounds stressful! Just my opinion but I feel like while it's not clear to me what kind of "past" you're talking about him having had, he's probably *trying.* But it sounds like he's still not quite understanding enough of what social anxiety actually is, is he? Yet at the same time, from his perspective, I can see where he might not get it because he's trying to be inclusive and welcoming and show you that he has nothing to hide. I hope that makes sense? I'm not sure what part of it the two of you are disagreeing on, so I could easily have jumped to the wrong conclusion somewhere in there.
Can you meet him halfway? Say, assuming you feel up to it, you and him can make a deal where he agrees to take it slow so you and he gradually *work towards* going out with his family. So **just for example** at first you and he meet somewhere safe (at home?), then just the two of you go out somewhere that isn't very busy, then to a more crowded/bustling location, and then try and work one or two more people at a time? (Of course this totally depends on what works for you-- that was just an example, so tweak it all you want, or completely change it, or whatever.)
If he isn't willing to take it slow like that, I would call that a red flag.
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You hit the nail on the head basically! I just don't want to fight over it because the fighting just makes situations scarier for me and sets me back. But I am trying to walk towards going with them places, I'd honestly love it, but don't know if I'm ready. Also as a sidenote, he did admit that he is pushing because he just wants me to love him and see that it's all different now because of our past. Thank you!
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I think what you're trying to say is that your 'boyfriend' wants you to meet his foster family...right? I think it would depend strongly on how long he has been with them. If he is comfortable enough to introduce you to his new family, then I would assume he wants you to be included in that. You're part of his family, just like his foster family is. And meeting new people, especially knowing that he will be there to back you no matter what...if you trust him enough, I think I would personally give it a shot. You have nothing to lose, and it seems as if your boyfriend has accepted them and if you're going to be with him, you're bound to see a lot of his family. Even if your family is not accepting yet, maybe once you see for yourself that he is in a great place, your family will come around later on too. As far as feeling like you are 'surrounded and isolated' : being in a car full of people isn't exactly being 'isolated', so to speak. If you are uncomfortable with being in a car, maybe try what same difference was saying and go slowly. Ask your boyfriend to meet his family in a public place, like for a game of bowling or something fun where you can feel comfortable. Obviously bowling isn't for everyone...but you know what I mean! ~ ;)
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Hi, you say you love him but put yourself in his position and assume you were a guy. So here's a guy and his five "male" friends in the car with a young, naive woman. In this situation, there is no reason for them not to take advantage of you. So, if you intend to go with him in his car with his friends, you should be careful