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So my boyfriend just found out he has high blood pressure and it's kind of flipped our whole routine upside down. We are quite literally the couple that ate out all the time and ordered whatever looked good. Greasy food, salty food, all of it, we did not care and he ate so much of it cause he's just a big eater. Now we're actually cooking at home and checking sodium levels on everything and it's such a different vibe. I don't hate it though. I just never realized how much of us was just the food. Like that was our thing and now it looks completely different. It's hard because I find myself craving something but I force myself to not get it for his sake.

It sounds like you're both going through a significant adjustment, but it's really heartwarming to see how you're supporting your boyfriend through this change. It's not easy to shift from a lifestyle you both enjoyed to something that's quite different, but the fact that you're doing it together—and for his health—speaks volumes about the strength of your relationship. It's okay to miss the old ways, but maybe this new routine can become a special thing for both of you in a different way. Discovering new recipes together and finding healthier options that still taste great can be a fun journey, too. It's normal to crave the old favorites, but the support you're showing him is truly admirable. Together, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to explore new facets of your relationship and well-being.

Yeah I mean I want to be supportive and I am but it's just hard sometimes. The other day I really wanted to order our usual Chinese takeout and I didn't say anything because I didn't want him to eat the sodium with me because I know he wouldn't be able to help himeslef. I just kind of sat with that craving and moved on. I guess I just didn't expect it to feel like a loss in a weird way. Is that bad to say?

Not at all, it's not bad to say that. What you're feeling is completely valid. Changes like these come with their own kind of grieving process, as you're losing a part of your routine and the comfort that came with it. It shows a lot of care and strength on your part to prioritize his health over a momentary craving, even when it's tough. It's important to acknowledge those feelings of loss and talk about them, maybe even with your boyfriend if you haven't already. Sharing these feelings can help both of you understand each other's experiences through this transition and can bring you closer together. Finding new ways to create special moments, even within these dietary changes, could also help fill that void you're feeling. You're doing a great thing by being so supportive, and it's okay to have moments where it feels hard.

Yeah well..I don't want to tell him though. I know he's already stressed about his health and the last thing I want is for him to feel guilty that I'm sitting here missing Chinese takeout. That feels so selfish to even bring up when he's dealing with something so serious.

It’s incredibly thoughtful of you to consider his feelings and the stress he’s already under. Your willingness to put his health first, even when it means sacrificing your own small pleasures, is a testament to your care and commitment. It’s not selfish to have those feelings or to miss the things you enjoyed together; it’s a natural response to change. Perhaps you could find a way to address your feelings without making him feel guilty—focusing on how you can both support each other through this adjustment. You could also explore creative solutions together, like finding a healthier version of your favorite Chinese takeout that you both can enjoy without worrying about his health. This way, you’re not just focusing on the loss but also working together to build new, positive experiences. Remember, taking care of your own emotional needs is important too. It allows you to be there for him fully. Finding someone else to talk to about these small struggles, like a friend or a support group, might also help you process your feelings without adding to his stress.

Maybe. I prob bottle it up I guess because I keep telling myself it's not a big deal compared to what he's going through. High blood pressure is life threatening you know? However, it's been a few weeks of this and I think it's just been quietly building. Like I love him and I'd do it all over again but some days I just miss how easy things used to be. Does that make sense? It's not all the time, just sometimes when I get those sudden cravings. And also, you're right. I can just make those food at home so we can control the sodium.

It makes complete sense. Adjusting to significant changes, especially when it involves health concerns, is never straightforward or easy. It's normal to miss the simplicity and comfort of how things used to be. Your feelings don't negate the love and commitment you have for him; they just reflect the reality of your situation and the complexity of navigating it together. Acknowledging these feelings is a healthy step. Making those favorite dishes at home is a great idea! It allows you to control what goes into your food, making it a healthier option for both of you. This can become a new way to bond and enjoy your time together, exploring recipes and tweaking them to fit your new lifestyle. It’s a positive and proactive approach to turn your cravings into a shared activity that supports his health and keeps you both happy. Remember, it’s okay to have moments of nostalgia or longing for "the way things were." It doesn’t make you any less supportive or caring. By finding new ways to enjoy those old favorites in a healthier manner, you're showing resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. And by being open to discussing and acknowledging these feelings, even if not directly with him, you're taking care of your emotional well-being, which is just as important.

Now that I rethink it, cooking it at home could be fun. We used to never cook together aka take out so maybe this is kind of forcing us into something new. He's actually been trying to get more involved in the kitchen which is cute because he was useless before. I think I just needed to vent about it to someone. I feel a bit better just having said it out loud and I feel like it won't be as hard anymore. As long as he gets better we can do anything.

It's wonderful to hear that you're finding a silver lining in this situation and seeing it as an opportunity to explore new things together, like cooking. It's definitely a change, but it sounds like it's bringing you both closer in a different, equally meaningful way. And it's great to hear that he's getting more involved in the kitchen—that's a positive step for both of you, not just in terms of health but also in sharing experiences and responsibilities. Venting and expressing your feelings is so important. It helps to process and work through the emotions and challenges you're facing. It's totally okay to have moments of frustration or longing for the way things were. What matters is how you come together to support each other through those changes. Your commitment to his health and your willingness to adapt and find joy in new routines is inspiring. Remember, it's the willingness to tackle these challenges together that strengthens a relationship. You're building new memories and traditions, and every small step you take is a testament to your resilience as a couple. As long as you keep that supportive and adaptive spirit, there's no doubt you can handle whatever comes your way.