Hey, it's okay to be introverted! Not everyone is great at depicting their feelings or being quite open. However, there are small steps that you can take to be more open to others. However, what is putting you back from opening up to others? Is it trust issues or perhaps you cannot connect on a relate-able basis with some of your friends? If that is the case then you may want to join certain activities such as art, music, or sports (the list can go on) where people have similar interests as you. There is always a chance that within a group you'll be able to bond with someone. Once a friendship is established then you can freely and openly communicate with one another. Therefore you can alleviate your stress levels because you'll be able to openly talk with someone who is similar to you. Know this, you ARE worth it and it's okay to ask for help especially if you reciprocate the action on to others. I believe your boyfriend is just concerned as it is not good to always pent up your feelings. When opening up just make sure you're comfortable with whoever you're confiding too and you can trust them. A friend will always be willing to help another out as long as you ask for it.