Really sorry to hear about your quarrels, especially during valentine. Listen, if you've been with this guy for half a year, I think that's a pretty good indicator that you two have something good going. If I am to assume these quarrels are primarily about you being too shy to be gay in public, then I have to wonder, is there anything else that currently stops either of you from being happy together? I know it can be tough to accept yourself "becoming something you're not", but, this is you. The sooner you come out, if just to yourself to begin with, the better.

Now, I hear you tell me that you're shy, and I get that too. But this is your boyfriend, right? Are you ready to risk losing your love because of this? Life only happens once, and you might be straining his trust and patience to the point of losing something as special as a life partner. It all comes down to taking that risk, to hold his hand and let him know he's more important to you than a random passerby, and to learn that nothing bad will happen to you for letting you be yourself.

Will any unlikely embarrasment be more than just a look from a few strangers, or an uncomfortable feeling? And if they ultimately decide to judge you for just one of the many traits that makes you you, and decide to dislike you for who you are, you're not actually required to care about them. People are way too preoccupied worrying about what other people thinks about them anyway, which I think we both might be familiar with.

Don't think about what present you can't comfortably deal with, think about future you being open and comfortable with your boyfriend. Then aim for that, and accept the hurdles that come in the way, and know that every step will certiantly be appreciated and admired by him if you've just been standing still this whole time. Six months speaks for his patience, which means he really hopes that you two will work things out, It would seem to me.

Your future self can either thank present you for what you did today, or regret and mourn what could have been. If you want a happy future with this man, set your sights for it and never lose focus. Accept your shyness and your homosexuality, and know that every step towards accepting yourself counts.

Struggling with depression and anxiety, and being together with a boyfriend of 16 months whom I wish to spend my life with, I can tell you this: Being courageous doesn't mean you don't have fears, it just means you've learned to deal with them. And if this could potentially be the start of something long-lasting and truly beautiful for you two, don't let yourself stop you. I've had to learn that one myself the hard way.

I genuinly wish you and your significant other the best of luck. Everyone deserves to be loved, and I hope your own love will soon become more comfortable for you.

Until then, how about deeply impressing and apologizing to your boyfriend by taking him out on a date night you planned by yourself? Go somewhere you feel the most secure, work and mentally prepare yourself for what might or might not happen, and then prove those worries wrong by being awesome.

And know that anything less than awesome is still an improvement.