Hi, Cmefly. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said, "... when he becomes too stressed."   No matter what our diagnosis, stress is a huge factor in making us lose control. We tend to react by flipping out or by avoidant behavior (such as your boyfriend withdrawing from you).   So, the good news: If you both recognize that the other has a stress-based illness, you have something to work with. On one level, each understands the other. So if he signals he is under stress you can do whatever it takes to ease the stress or you can give him space. Either way, there is no drama, no conflict. You both understand. You both connect. Good foundation to build a lasting relationship.   The bad news: If he is not there for you, not there to meet your needs then this is going to be extremely stressful for you. Not good for someone with a stress-based illness. Bad foundation to build a lasting relationship.   You are obviously very fond of this man. He obviously adores you. He obviously has excellent qualities. And - very important - you both seem to understand one another. This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't give up on him yet. His vulnerability is out in the open. He is not in denial. It is something the two of you can work with, or work around, as the case may be. The situation is never going to be perfect, but there may be some arrangements the two of you can come to. These arrangements may look odd by the standards of what people think relationships are supposed to be like, but they may work for you two.   Even if this means you may not see each other for long stretches at a time, this may be what makes the relationship work. Hopefully, the two of you can work together to reduce these time-outs. Hopefully, the working together process will bring you two even closer together.   Nevertheless, there is always the possibility that his GAD may be too much for you. In which case, you have to think of yourself.   But what I'm hearing you say is that this guy is definitely worth it. So I think you answered your own question. :)