(M29) boyfriend lack of effort with me (F30). Need advice whether to pull back or give it a try?
i noticed that I have been putting in more effort in my relationship than my boyfriend who is 29. I am 30 years old,I go to school and I work full-time and I have kids. he has his own businesses and is very consistent at the gym. in the beginning, he put in a lot of effort to win me over. A few months later, his business wasn't doing well and he put his hundred percent into his work. I respected it, and I gave him space But I was always there for him whether it was cooking for him or just going over when he was available. he spends a lot of time at the gym and he told me it helps with the stress. i also started going to the gym to spend some time with him.
today he asked me if I was going to the gym and I said yes, and I went there. he called me an hour in and asked me where I was. I told him I was upstairs. he said OK he's working out downstairs and I told him I'm about to leave because I've been here for an hour and a half now he said OK. He didn't acknowledge to see me or even come upstairs to say bye. I noticed he was so into his workout. I just left without meeting him. he didn't call or say anything all night. this is the third or fourth time this has happened usually I'm the one who goes up to him. I also have been initiating small things like going out for coffee or lunch. he's always at work 12 to 14 hours a day. when we're together, he is usually working on his phone. Little by little, I just noticed that I'm the one putting in more effort than he is. yes he calls. Yes, he checks in and only invites me over when he is available. there are times where he goes downstairs and eats with his roommates while leaving me upstairs in the room. yeah so asked me if I had dinner and usually I do eat before I go over. I just want to feel wanted and I want him to do a little things like include me during dinner time or even invite me during dinner. I am his second girlfriend and he came from India 5-6 years ago. i do try to be understand, but at this point i took i step back and trying to be less available .. i just want some guidance and maybe some positive energy/ perspective on this. Any advice would be great to.
Posted Dec 9, 2025, 8:57 AM UTC