I noticed early on that something wasn’t quite right about him and I began my clinical observation just a few months into our relationship. After a while I got to a point where I, based on the information gathered and my natural sense of psychology, could make a proper and accurate diagnosis. He suffers from PPPD, Peter Pan Personality Disorder, which is more common than one could imagine. A few days ago I decided to share my work with him and he didn’t take it very well, even though I said everything in an objectively nice and scientific manner. He could not control his own emotions and accused me of being a psychopath, which is groundless considering he has not conducted a field study of any sort.
After analyzing the situation I came to the conclusion that the reaction was yet another sign of his disorder. We have talked on the phone since then but things really haven’t been the same as before. He is taking out his frustration on me and has asked me to give up my scientific research. I deem this unreasonable since science and psychology are important in the development of society. I asked him if my work feels threatening since he has failed to participate in higher education and he said no. Since this was a phone call I could not analyze his body language and determine if his answer was correct or not. Another hypothesis is that he’s some sort of religious fundamentalist who’s opposed to science but I have not found any traces of religion it at his place. I can’t confirm this or anything else at the moment.
Since our last phone call we haven’t talked at all and he has removed me on social media. I am not upset but would of course like to work it out and continue the relationship. How could I make this work? Am I not seeing something here? Any constructive criticism will be appreciated.
3 comments
So, based on your extensive clinical expertise, and your ability to objectively observe an intimate partner, you have a diagnosed a disorder not recognized in the DSM.
If you have issues with his behavior, tell him. Don’t worry about why just yet…..
Are you cracked? You are not a qualified licensed professional. You can’t diagnose anyone with anything. No wonder this guy ran for the hills.
Constructive criticism: stop. You’re 21, emotionally involved with your boyfriend, and drawing conclusions partially based on “my natural sense of psychology”. You cannot make a proper and accurate diagnosis.
Kindly, you sound like all students of psychology who are not yet (and far from) being professionals. Frankly, that’s insufferable.
You need to issue a sincere apology and let him go. You also need to discuss what you did with your therapist (I’m assuming you have one as it is typical that those who provide therapy also have therapists). There is a reason why family members or SOs do not treat other family members or SOs.
This is an opportunity to learn from your mistakes.