The Student Room Group

barely see my boyfriend and im desperate

hi, my bf (25) and i (23f) work at the same job which is where we met and started dating on new years. first bit was great- we met up outside of work often, progressed kissing and making out, got to know each other a little more and share things, it was amazing for the first month. and at work we were obviously professional but still just very friendly like besties on the job, but we still met up on dates.

now, almost three months in we barely see each other. we are only at work together once or twice a week and i see him for maybe a few hours then anyway. at work its stifling, because i know we cant flirt and our collegues know so theyre watching us and judging. he is also very work driven so obviously he wont focus on me for the time we get together, and we briefly kiss when he leaves and i do the night shift.

and he never asks to meet outside of work anymore, and when i ask he says hes busy. he has some family issues going on i know, but every single day off he gets or even time after work he says he is busy and cant meet me. its so upsetting. im getting frustrated and desperate, like seeing him at work is upsetting now because i know i cant interact with him and i badly want to. and then i get depressed constantly having to ask if hes free on a day off and he just says no, he apologises and sounds sincere, but still cant make any time for me and i feel awful.

i dont know what to do!!! we have a week off together soon that we both originally booked for a little holiday, but he said he might not even be free that week now!!! what do i do... i really want this to work out as he is so fun and nice when we actually do get time together.

Reply 1

Original post by Anonymous
hi, my bf (25) and i (23f) work at the same job which is where we met and started dating on new years. first bit was great- we met up outside of work often, progressed kissing and making out, got to know each other a little more and share things, it was amazing for the first month. and at work we were obviously professional but still just very friendly like besties on the job, but we still met up on dates.
now, almost three months in we barely see each other. we are only at work together once or twice a week and i see him for maybe a few hours then anyway. at work its stifling, because i know we cant flirt and our collegues know so theyre watching us and judging. he is also very work driven so obviously he wont focus on me for the time we get together, and we briefly kiss when he leaves and i do the night shift.
and he never asks to meet outside of work anymore, and when i ask he says hes busy. he has some family issues going on i know, but every single day off he gets or even time after work he says he is busy and cant meet me. its so upsetting. im getting frustrated and desperate, like seeing him at work is upsetting now because i know i cant interact with him and i badly want to. and then i get depressed constantly having to ask if hes free on a day off and he just says no, he apologises and sounds sincere, but still cant make any time for me and i feel awful.
i dont know what to do!!! we have a week off together soon that we both originally booked for a little holiday, but he said he might not even be free that week now!!! what do i do... i really want this to work out as he is so fun and nice when we actually do get time together.

Talk to him. let him know you need to spend time together and work toward a solution. This can only be fixed through conversation. And if he cares about you he'll understand your needs and prioritize spending time with you. Tell him its upsetting you and this cant keep going on.
Hopefully it works out for you two

Reply 2

I think it's ultimatum time, either he makes time for you or he doesn't. Not being able to make time for someone for 3 months is a choice.

Right now you don't really have a boyfriend, you have a guy at work you kiss occasionally.

Reply 3

thanks for the insights, as extra, we do talk throughout the day texting, even if one of us is at work, but yeah i value in person time beyond that and it doesnt feel like he does, idk if he just isnt one to convey emotion or ask for things but ill try and push it more in conversation. its just i feel like im being annoying now

Reply 4

It sounds like you're feeling really neglected and frustrated, and that’s completely understandable. A relationship should be a two-way effort, and it seems like you’re the one pushing to spend time together while he keeps pulling away.

If he’s genuinely busy with family and work, that’s one thing—but if he’s not making any effort to see you outside of work, that’s a red flag. The fact that he might not even be free for your booked time off together is a big concern.

I think it’s time to have an honest conversation. Instead of repeatedly asking when he's free, ask him directly where he sees this relationship going and whether he’s still invested in it. His response (or lack of one) will tell you a lot. You deserve to be with someone who values your time and presence.

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