I'll try and make this as quick as possible because no one likes to read a really long thread...
Basically, I've been dating my boyfriend for 8 months and have been friends with him for a least a year longer. He is in many ways my best friend and I care about him deeply and he tells me all the time that he cares for me too. In general, he is very loving, affectionate, and shows concern for my feelings in all things. We study the Bible together regularly, are waiting until marriage for sex (I've NEVER felt any pressure to do anything I'm uncomfortable with), and are both very active in church.
However, the past month has been a very stressful time for us both. He has been experiencing serious financial problems, classes have restarted for us both, and he has had numerous familial and relationship stresses that have been bothering him.
Last night we were hanging out at his house, having fun, cuddling, and listening to music. It got late and I told him I should go home because I had class early and was tired. He asked if I could stay a bit longer and I said I'd stay until the song we were listening to was over but that then I had to go. He agreed, but then turned the music off before it ended. I got up to leave and he got upset. I was surprised and we began to argue. I asked what on earth he was so upset about and he wouldn't talk and told me to just go ahead and leave. I refused to go until he told me why he was so grumpy, and I continued to pester him for an answer until we were basically yelling at each other. Finally, when I asked him (raising my voice) why he was acting this way he stood up, put his face to my face, grabbed the sleeves of my hoodie and yelled at me to just leave and that it upset him that I was making a big deal about it when he said I should go. Shocked, I immediately told him to let go, and he did. I left without another word.
As soon as I got home, I had a long text from him apologizing for behavior he knew I didn't deserve and asking for his forgiveness. He said he was stressed and tired and took it out on me. I didn't respond and went to bed. We talked today and he cried and told me he had acted out of character and promised to never treat me as he had again.
I don't know what to do. I know he's under stress but I was intimidated by his behavior, shocked, and saddened. He didn't hurt me, and let go of my hoodie as soon as I told him too, but I don't want this to be a precursor to something more. I've never been in a situation like this. Sometimes he can be immature and even a bit clingy, but he usually doesn't express it much and we have always been able to work through our disagreements. In general, he has always respected me and treated me well. We pray together and try hard to keep our relationship god-centered.
What should I do? He is very apologetic and swears to never act this way again. He even said he would talk to some of the leaders in our church to get help for the stress he has been under. I just don't want to be naive.
Please help.
Basically, I've been dating my boyfriend for 8 months and have been friends with him for a least a year longer. He is in many ways my best friend and I care about him deeply and he tells me all the time that he cares for me too. In general, he is very loving, affectionate, and shows concern for my feelings in all things. We study the Bible together regularly, are waiting until marriage for sex (I've NEVER felt any pressure to do anything I'm uncomfortable with), and are both very active in church.
However, the past month has been a very stressful time for us both. He has been experiencing serious financial problems, classes have restarted for us both, and he has had numerous familial and relationship stresses that have been bothering him.
Last night we were hanging out at his house, having fun, cuddling, and listening to music. It got late and I told him I should go home because I had class early and was tired. He asked if I could stay a bit longer and I said I'd stay until the song we were listening to was over but that then I had to go. He agreed, but then turned the music off before it ended. I got up to leave and he got upset. I was surprised and we began to argue. I asked what on earth he was so upset about and he wouldn't talk and told me to just go ahead and leave. I refused to go until he told me why he was so grumpy, and I continued to pester him for an answer until we were basically yelling at each other. Finally, when I asked him (raising my voice) why he was acting this way he stood up, put his face to my face, grabbed the sleeves of my hoodie and yelled at me to just leave and that it upset him that I was making a big deal about it when he said I should go. Shocked, I immediately told him to let go, and he did. I left without another word.
As soon as I got home, I had a long text from him apologizing for behavior he knew I didn't deserve and asking for his forgiveness. He said he was stressed and tired and took it out on me. I didn't respond and went to bed. We talked today and he cried and told me he had acted out of character and promised to never treat me as he had again.
I don't know what to do. I know he's under stress but I was intimidated by his behavior, shocked, and saddened. He didn't hurt me, and let go of my hoodie as soon as I told him too, but I don't want this to be a precursor to something more. I've never been in a situation like this. Sometimes he can be immature and even a bit clingy, but he usually doesn't express it much and we have always been able to work through our disagreements. In general, he has always respected me and treated me well. We pray together and try hard to keep our relationship god-centered.
What should I do? He is very apologetic and swears to never act this way again. He even said he would talk to some of the leaders in our church to get help for the stress he has been under. I just don't want to be naive.
Please help.
