We have been together for 6 years and he has been my only serious, long term relationship. We moved in together in November of last year. This year has been especially difficult with everything going on, but I’ve been increasingly frustrated with our relationship over the last 2 years. I think I’m trying to change him, and he’s not open to talking or making changes. I’m not sure I see our future together. He’s such a good guy in so many ways that I feel so terrible even thinking about it, but I’m bored and very frustrated.

I’ve been talking to a guy from work casually and I’d be interested in seeing if we get along as friends or something more. I know that exclusivity is implied in a long term relationship, especially when you live together. How can I get some space and time to think? Does it need to be as extreme as breaking up with him and moving out? I just want to go for coffee with other people and I feel so guilty about it. No judgment please, I’m hard enough on myself.