[Well, he has had a lot to deal with lately, which he's explained and people apparently aren't really processing the way he wants them to. B( He takes a slow breath, rubbing his forehead and temples, reaching for a sense of calm and control that's felt irritatingly far off during this conversation.]

I'm not very good about articulating why I'm upset, and I don't like doing it. It's easier for me to move on at my own pace, without people pressuring me to talk to someone about it. I appreciate that you're worried, but I'll be alright. [He hesitates, not sure if he just wants to leave things at that, because this really just goes farther into "things he's not thrilled to have to do".]

And Erik and I talking about what happened isn't just spreading the pain around. I talk to him because he understands what I'm going through, and I understand him. We take care of each other. And I'm going to be fine, it's just... frustrating to admit that I'm hurting and things aren't going well for me right now, but still have people trying to pressure me into doing things I don't feel comfortable with or not really hearing what I'm trying to say. I know it's alright to be hurt, and I have people to talk to. If you want to be one of those people, I appreciate it and I'm open to it, but you can't just jump in making assumptions about how I'm feeling or what my relationship with my friend is like.