"Triggers everywhere. Sometimes I feel this is hopeless, not because of him, because of me..."
So.. what do you really want? Stop floundering around and ask for it. Be nice.. smile.. and be creative with how you say it. If it does not work.. try it again. Most likely you are not being creative enough.. or nice enough. I personally think it is the latter! <-- might be just a touch of sarcasm there.. but not much.
"Forrest Gump could not have handled Jenny any better."
His saving grace was that he knew what "Love" was. Not that he was smart. He said everything wrong.. but his actions won "Everyone" over. And.. he never gave up!
Relax Eat Think Act normal React.. Smartly. Do something different. Emulate. Do Work.