Boyfriend in midlife crisis

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Boyfriend in midlife crisis
1
Mon, 12-22-2003 - 1:42pm
I think my boyfriend is having a midlife crisis. He is more interested in playing video games with the guys than spending any time with me. He was very poor as a child and had no toys, so it's like he's making up for that now. His parents died when he was very young. About a month ago he had a big health scare. We thought he was having a heart attack. Thank God his heart is healthy, and it was merely a panic attack. But that seems to have triggered this change in him. He is not normally neglectful. I now realize that this is a "him" issue, not an "us" issue, even though it does affect me. How do I show him that I'm being supportive and am willing to stick with him without pushing him away, or having him push me away? I have been assured by others that he will get over this--I just want to make sure that he doesn't give up on us before he does. I have known him since 1996--I'm not willing to let this destroy us.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 12-22-2003 - 1:57pm
So sorry for you and your boyfriend. If he had a panic attack, he has been traumatized. Have patience with him.

You say that he has been through a lot of agony, that may have brought on the attack. You are right, it is a 'him' thing.

I would let him know that you are there for him if he wants to talk. Otherwise, don't press him, he will come around when he is ready. good luck