Anonymous wrote:OP here. He was definitely flirting. In terms of not icing out, what would have been a better way to handle this? “Hey. Your flirting tonight upset me. I’m gonna take a few days to myself. I’ll reach out on Monday.” Something like that?
Anonymous wrote:OP here. He was definitely flirting. In terms of not icing out, what would have been a better way to handle this? “Hey. Your flirting tonight upset me. I’m gonna take a few days to myself. I’ll reach out on Monday.” Something like that?
Anonymous wrote:It’s possible he’s gaslighting you - focusing on the fact that you shut down to deflect from his flirting. And it’s also not good that he did not even address your feelings or concerns.
But obviously shutting down for two days is not a healthy or productive “parameter” of arguing; you don’t know how he would’ve responded if you addressed your concerns without shutting him out. It’s like you were punishing him before even giving him a chance to respond to your accusation.
It’s also hard to give you feedback without knowing if you tend to be jealous or perceive friendly interaction with the opposites as flirting, due to your history. Not that you should ever talk yourself out of following your gut instinct or intuition.
In general, this episode with your BF does not bode well for your relationship, and both of you have a role in this. You can’t control your BF, but you can start a conversation by apologizing for shutting down for two days. That might soften his defenses and enable him to really listen to what you have to say.
Saying you’re “willing to discuss parameters of arguing” is all well and good, but will not give you much leverage after you’ve refused to talk for two days.