[FONT=""][COLOR=""][SIZE=""]So I’ve been friends with this guy since before Covid, we met at a convention and we bonded over being very creative. And being ADHD and stuff. He says I’m the only person “who can keep up with him creatively”. And we’ve collaborated on a lot of projects from music to audio dramas. I’ve k own my boyfriend since middle school and we’ve acted like a couple long before we officially started dating. I love him very much. We both love music and drawing and stuff, but he’s not as creative as I am, at least in some areas, but I’ve been kinda easing him into if cause I know he loves this stuff too. Recently it was my birthday and my boyfriend sent me a pair of headphones and a portable warm up room thing you hold over your face. I’m very grateful with both because I know my boyfriend was thinking of me when he got it, even though I’m not sure I’ll use the sound box thing (I did try to use it, I just found it uncomfortable and a bit difficult to breath when I did) and I already have a pair of headphones (but I do like being able to alternate while one is charging and they are nice, working headphones.

I had mentioned both of the gifts to my friend cause we were talking about my birthday and he looked up the stuff and criticized them. The headphones were apparently 15 dollars which I didn’t know and he said the voice thing was impractical (which I do kinda agree with) but I know it’s the thought that counts, and my boyfriend spent time and money picking out a nice gift for me, I’m not ungrateful. I mentioned to my friend that my boyfriend is also a college student, and we’re currently long distance so he has to worry about shipping too. And he said he knew but he “wanted to make sure you’re getting what you deserve” which is sweet, but my boyfriend gets me little gifts and stuff every time his family goes on vacation, and even though we’re not always “on the same page” creatively he is a creative person who listens to me ramble about my projects and shares my love of music and I love him.

I get my friend is just looking out for me, but part of me worries that is a “my friend likes me so dunks on the boyfriend” thing, even though I’m not 100% sure that’s what this is? but I mention my boyfriend a decent amount because I don’t want that friend to think I’m leading him on. And when I talk about my boyfriend, he sometimes will say something like “ok he’s gained some points in my book” or “that kinda lost him some points for me but we’ll see” and it just kinda upsets me cause I think the two of them would get along if they met? But also I don’t know how to talk to my friend about it? Cause I do value our friendship but I don’t like when he says stuff like that. But I don’t want to make things awkward cause we’re collaborating on so many things and I don’t want to ruin that. I genuinely don’t think he’s meaning to be like- hostile towards my boyfriend? I don’t even think it’s a jealousy thing, but I’m not 100% sure. This is mostly just to vent, but if anyone can offer some advice, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.[/size][/color][/font]