As many of us, I long to be understood and looked after in this world. I desire to show all of myself to my romantic partner and to be met with empathy and understanding. I show up for my partner this way. I adore him. And yet my needs are not being met. I am afraid to be vulnerable because he is invalidating. His empathy comes in the form of problem solving. He is unwilling to comfort me in times of tears and distress. How can I be in love and so unhappy. I have changed so much to be everything he needs and desires. I ache every day