Kicks Me Out But Still Loves Me? Huh?!?

[randomination22]

I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost a year now and, for the last few months, things have been pretty rocky to the point of me moving out after much suggestion.

Things were all good in the beginning, perhaps the “honeymoon stage” where we were on our best behaviour. It was after a nasty time working for a shoe retailer (less than adequate treatment from management) that he seemed more stressed, walking out. This was about September time.
I slowly moved in prior to this, June-July time, which was met with much happiness because we both wanted it. I helped pay bills as much as I could because I knew it would be more difficult with me being there (electricity/food etc.). Because I wasn’t officially living there, we looked at other properties for the future, some of which weren’t practical due to finances or location (there was one he really wanted but I turned it down as it wasn’t practical).

With the stress coming in was the start of a darkening apartment, him being more stressed but not wanting to talk about it or what was going on. Despite looking at properties together previously, him being the one who started looking, he later “revealed” that I moved in too quick and that I never asked to move in, which was never a problem at the time for either of us (it wasn’t needed, surely?).
He started talking to me about moving out because it would “help” (who? what?). He had already been away for two weekends with a friend and also his family to get some time alone, which he allegedly needs being an only child (the only part I can agree with in that is that he didn’t learn to share or be with others – he’s quite selfish).
Come his birthday, I prioritised a staff meal because I needed time away myself, much like he did (sadly, on a special day for him). It was a great night but I knew I didn’t do much for my boyfriend on the day. We argued the following morning, saying how it was nice for him to be with people who “wanted him there” and made a point of him making effort for my birthday, despite things being better then. Like usual, he brings up the past and acts emotionally without thinking things through, which is a bit more my approach. It’s like it was all a big personal attack to him.

I stormed out, packed my things and went back to my parents where I still am now, nearly 2 weeks later. He apparently still loves me but wanted his keys back and for me to take all my stuff back (I packed some stuff as I wasn’t sure how long I’d be gone for). He doesn’t know how long it will take but it will take “a while” (again, to do what?). He still wants us to be a couple and hopes for things to be back to normal soon – the thing is that he doesn’t talk to me about what’s on his mind, even if it involves me (instead he talks to his friends and acts like the victim, which he isn’t and nor am I).
I miss him and still love him, but I’m not sure he really feels the same anymore. I’m not sure what’s changed but he seems a much darker version of who he was and believes I can do so much better, something he maintained in the beginning. I miss the happier version of him, I want that back because he was fine before he started to get more stressed.

What do you guys think of the situation?

[woofgang]

walk. walk now.

[ummmm]

How long have you actually known him?

In less than a year you should still be in the honeymoon period.

[randomination22]

We've known each other since 2012 Christmas day, so still just over a year.

I would have thought we'd be in the honeymoon period still too but the stress with him has prevented that really

[Peaspeculiars]

He said you moved in too quickly, he wants to be away from you, he fights with you, asked you to move out, and wants his keys back - Then tells you he loves you?
give the keys back, his loss.
Don't be too sad, chin up mate and move forward xx

[DTCwordfan]

There are other fish in the sea, many of whom would not treat you like this...the killer statement that you made for me was //he thing is that he doesn’t talk to me about what’s on his mind, even if it involves me (instead he talks to his friends and acts like the victim, which he isn’t and nor am I)//

Rational and loving partners do not behave like that.

[ummmm]

It does sound like you moved in too quickly. Too much, too soon...

Loads of people find it hard to talk about their feelings.

[boxtops]

He's not ready. Get your stuff, move on, and put it down to experience.

[boxtops]

^ Welcome to AB, by the way!

[Sqad]

That word "love" causes a lot of trouble...it means different things to different people and a difference in definition between man and woman.

To sum up your situation:
He feels "something " for you, but not nearly enough to commit himself to you.
How you feel about him, is of little consequence to your situation.

You can only sit back and see what transpires.

[randomination22]

It's true that I probably did move in too quickly, we both wanted it at the time because of enjoying each other's company.

What gets me, as people have noted, is his lack of communication - there was no indication that it was too soon in his mind or that he was uncomfortable, no cues that I saw whatsoever.

[ummmm]

How old are yous?

[boxtops]

He's maybe one of these guys who finds communication about this sort of thing difficult, particularly if he's feeling pressured. Like I said - put it down to experience, it was good while it lasted.

[randomination22]

We're both 21

Thanks for the welcome by the way, it's much appreciated!

[sir.prize]

sqad - ///That word "love" causes a lot of trouble...it means different things to different people and a difference in definition between man and woman.
That is very true.

Maybe I was wrong, but I understood the OP to be male.

[randomination22]

Maybe I should have made that clear too, we're both guys

[Sqad]

Sir Prize........I think you may well be right.........the story is of two gays.

[boxtops]

Still a relationship issue, whether it's hetero or gay.

[Sqad]

boxy.....indeed..........

[sir.prize]

indeed . . . boxy. . . .

[randomination22]

In any case, I'm just seeing how things go for now - I don't really talk to him much now and I'm letting him take the lead now considering I've put in a lot of effort myself (as Squad said, I'll "sit back and see what transpires").