Emotion: anger
Problem: breakup with partner
Situation: My girlfriend just told me our relationship isn't working by text. She has recently started a new job and I think she may have met someone else.

assistant: How are you doing today?

user: I'm not feeling great. I think my girlfriend may be cheating on me.

assistant: So you think she may, have started a relationship with someone else?

user: Yes, I think so although I don't have any proof. Things were going really well and then all of a sudden she text me and told me things aren't working.

assistant: Ok, well that doesn't sound pleasant and must be difficult to hear. Perhaps her feelings have changed and there isn't necessarily another person involved?

user: She has started a new job and I think she might have met someone at work that she likes better than me. I can't believe she is doing this to me!

assistant: Ok so it seems like you are quite angry at the moment at the thought of her with someone else, is that true?

user: Yes I suppose it is true. The thing is I thought things were going well and she is stressed out at work with her new job but we were getting on great!

assistant: I had a similar experience myself. My partner was stressed and I was busy myself. It turns out that I wasn't paying him enough attention and this made him feel like I didn't think he was important to me any more.

user: I haven't thought of it like that before but still I want to talk to her about it not just text me randomly and hint at ending things.

assistant: From my experience, when I actually talked to my boyfriend we agreed to make more time for each other and things did improve.

user: Okay what do you think I should do about it because the text seemed very final? Looks like she has made her mind up already about things.

assistant: Sometimes people say one thing but actually mean another. They are complicated and don't always say what they really mean.

user: Do you think that she wants to talk rather than end the relationship?

assistant: I cannot say for certain however I think you should talk to her but also prepare yourself for the fact that she may actually want to spend some time apart or end the relationship. it would be wise to prepare for that outcome as upsetting as it may be.

user: That makes sense but it is not what I want to hear. After all we have been through together, we were even talking about getting our own place together and now all that will be for nothing!

assistant: I think you are reflecting on your plans together and the thought of the relationship ending is making you upset and angry.

user: Yes that's right. I know getting angry doesn't help but I want things to go back to the way they were.

assistant: Ok so based on what you have told me I think that your girlfriend has got a new job and you are planning on moving in together is that correct?

user: Yes that's right but that's what couples do isn't it?

assistant: It is but that is a lot of change all happening at once. Perhaps she is getting a little bit scared and rather than dealing with the situation she is running away, perhaps you should talk about this and see how she responds?

user: I still think there is someone else that has come between us.

assistant: Have you got any evidence of this like seen a text message or has she behaves strangely?

user: No I haven't, it is just a feeling.

assistant: Ok well it is natural to feel like this sometimes. People tend to fear the worst.

user: So do you think I should try and talk to her and ask her outright if she has met someone else?

assistant: I think rather than ask her that question directly, you could start the conversation and ask her why she is feeling this way. This would show you care and are prepared to listen without jumping to conclusions.

user: I think I do need to calm down a bit and maybe talking to her would be the best way to start. I don;t know what I'd do though if she ended it.

assistant: The best thing to do would be prepared to have the conversation, stay calm and listen. She may just want to talk but also be prepared as it may not go the way you plan.

user: Ok well maybe if I show her that I can stay calm and strong then she will stay with me?

assistant: Be prepared that she may end the relationship but getting angry is likely not to change her mind. Getting angry does not improve difficult conversations.

user: I suppose I could go into it and listen as you have said, there could be other reasons like the new job or maybe morning in that is causing some of it. I'll try and keep calm but it is hard when emotions run high.

assistant: Take a deep breath and try to relax beforehand. Staying positive and allowing her to speak will make for a better conversation. She will be more likely to open up to you.

user: That is actually pretty good advice. I hope we stay together and there is nobody else though.

assistant: I hope you manage to work it through and can at least talk about your feelings

user: Hey thanks for the words of wisdom. Not sure I'll like the chat but I'll try and stay calm.