<p>I feel ridiculous posting on CC about my relationship problems, but I can't really turn to my friends. Most of them are friends with my boyfriend, or have never really been in a serious relationship. I know it'd difficult to give advice without knowing everything, but maybe some outside perspectives can give me some advice.</p>
<p>So some background information. I met my boyfriend last year, and he asked me to the Homecoming dance. After that, we started dating. He was funny, cute, down to earth, and intelligent, so I was drawn to him. I am Russian, he is Chinese/Japanese. I am a liberal, he is a conservative. We have never had any serious problems with this. It just made things more interesting. So far we have been dating for about a year and 3 months. We have been saying "I love you" to each other when no one else can overhear. We have both agreed to try to have a long distance relationship after high school, if needed.</p>
<p>However, things just feel different between us now. I don't know if it's because we have both changed, or if it's because we are going through a really stressful time right now. I rarely spend time with him anymore, other than seeing him briefly in between classes or after school before I go to swim practice. We never even have time to talk on the phone anymore, other than some text messages that say "I'm going to bed, night", or etc. I've been trying to invite him to go out with me, but he turns me down each time with an excuse about an upset stomach, disinterest (he didn't want to go to a dance), or home work.</p>
<p>I have tried to be understanding, but I admit that I'm a very impatient person in general. I've also been going through some stressful times, especially when I found out I was deferred for ED. Whenever I have sought comfort or understanding from him, I've gotten comments like "That's just the way it is" or "Hey, I'm stressed, too". I've told my boyfriend numerous times that I would at least like some sympathy, but he thinks that he needs to "teach" me to be tough and tells me that he doesn't like sugar-coating things. He also tells me that I'm "hypersensitive" whenever I've confronted him about these issues.</p>
<p>I guess my main problem is that I feel dissatisfied with this relationship. I feel like he doesn't care anymore. He doesn't take me seriously when I bring up the idea of breaking up, but now I'm wondering if actions really do speak louder than words, and I should just DO it instead of talking about it. I admit that I am scared to do this, because he's not just my boyfriend, but my best friend, and losing everything is hard to imagine.</p>
<p>Would breaking up with him be cruel in light of everything he has to do (tests, colleges, etc)? Or would it be best to not distract him anymore when he really needs to focus on himself?</p>
<p>Am I the one who's wrong here? Do I have justification for wanting to break up?</p>
<p>Thank you. I am just very confused, and any insight would be appreciated.</p>