Hi Gabrielle,... and
Welcome to KA!!!
I'm so glad that you've found KA, and with it have found some renewed hope.
It is a wonderful site and is full of such nice people, it soon becomes like a 2nd family.
I've lived with AS since my late teens, so I have a very good understanding of what you are both going through daily and the challenges that chronic pain bring into a relationship. I just wanted to let you know that the 'little' things you speak of doing for him each day, which may seem like nothing to you, are far from nothing - they are a HUGE comfort and a blessing.
I've been in that place many times, of wanting to take a break from others to tough out the pain on my own. Sometimes I just can't manage the focus of being involved in life, or participating in a conversation, because sometimes the pain takes up all of the space in my mind. I do try my hardest not to be grumpy for my partner, and so the worse I get, the quieter I become. Otherwise, I try to crack jokes and keep a smile on my face through each day, to help keep us both on the cheery side.
Anyways, the main point I'm trying my best to get across, is that you will never be able to take away his pain, but you sound like an
angel of support, and he sounds like a lucky man to have such a great soul in his life.
The other thing I wanted to mention is that you should feel free to post on the main #1 support forum too, and introduce yourself! It's often a bit quiet in here, though I know the other Friends & Family members will be happy to have another join the group. Good to hear that your boyfriend has decided to register too, and I look forward to seeing you both around KA.
Take care,
mig 
