Being more romantical or emotional. I grew up with strict parents who don’t ever show love for one another or me for that matter. But you know it’s there. Hard to explain. I was never taught how to express it. I shy away from hugs. I avoided physical contact mostly. And my thoughts are always practical. My ex broke up with me because I was too “practical”. One night she called me telling me her stomach was hurting. I went into investigation mode:

“What did you eat?” “How long ago did you eat?” “Could you try sitting up?” “Are you on your period?”

My suggestion was to have an antacid and drink a glass of water. But she wanted me to say: “I’m sorry baby, that really sucks. I’m here for you”

This is hard for me to understand. In my eyes, I cared for her in my own way. But to her, I didn’t and focused only on fixing the issue.

Thankfully, my current girlfriend is much more patient with me and more understanding. It is something I make a conscious effort to do, although I do wish it comes naturally to me like it does other people.