There is no way you tell a guy to please try and understand you coz you ain't living or playing your role in that relationship as expected and you lagging behind.. .if there is anything going on with you or any obstacle you encountering in your love life, that's why you've got a partner, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on.. .

It saddens me to see or hear a guy say words like "I know am not acting as expected but please try and understand me" what?! Did you hear that?! What do you want her to understand, is it not when you discuss the matter with her, probably when you pour your heart out to her that she'll understand, so when next you holding back to yourself & staying reserve, she'll understand and get the message that you are fine but just want to be alone for some time.. .

Don't blame it on anybody.. .though action speaks louder than words, but that's not in a scenario like this.. . get talking.. . there is no way something will be difficult/wrong with you and you keep it to yourself, behave as if you are dating yourself & expect him not to be hurting.. .

As far as you guys have one thing in common, share a heart, stay in that relationship, then decisions are meant to made by the two parties.. . don't leave him/her in the dark and expect them to try & understand.. .are they magician? He isn't a spirit being or a herbalist.. .what they don't know you can't blame them for not understanding, expect if you want to loose that person.. .

Don't take things for granted, its when a partner is been taken for granted that's when you'll expect them not to be angry when you anger them, so no need for any apology, that's when you'll expect them to try & understand even if you keep pulling the love strings backward, afterall he knows am having a hard time here.. .

Walking together with someone in a relationship to a possible future surpasses, the romance, s*x, cuddling.. .etc this packages are very good & should be regarded as bonus.. .they ain't the most important thing.. . get your partner to know you & get to know your partner.. . try talking to them not them trying to unravel the mystery with you that they have no clue about.. .so you don't blame them for taking a hurtful action coz of the wrong signal you passed across to them when they where trying to understand you!

well nice thread @op