They're both essentially both trying to achieve the same thing which is to get the boy and the girl to rely on one another but inside of a relationship something like this is one person exhibiting control over the other which is where I have an issue. Isolating them, controling who they interact with and how forcing them to have one person to turn to. Again, a small step in this case but a bad look no less. Ms. Counselor on the other hand isn't participating in the relationship and explicitly doesn't want to which is the point of her making that request. She's expressly doing this to give up control. A bit iffy ethically, yeah, but not equivalent in the ways they're bad.
The distinction you've drawn between the counselor's intervention and the boyfriend's advice is thought-provoking, especially considering the counselor hadn't been directly asked by the girl for help nor had prior communication with her. This context is essential in evaluating the dynamics at play and the perceived moral standing of each party's actions.
It's important to recognize the unique position of trust and authority that professionals like counselors hold. Their actions, even when well-intentioned, are subject to rigorous ethical standards precisely because of their potential impact on individuals' autonomy and well-being. When a counselor decides to intervene without a direct request for assistance, it raises valid questions about the balance between professional responsibility and respecting personal boundaries.
The implication that the counselor's unsolicited intervention could be seen as less morally dubious than the boyfriend's concern, despite the absence of a formal counseling relationship with the girl, invites a deeper analysis of the expectations we place on professional versus personal roles in our lives. It underscores the need for clear communication, consent, and respect for individual agency in all interactions, whether personal or professional.
Recognizing these distinctions and the ethical landscape they inhabit allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the nuanced moral considerations involved in offering guidance and support.
Sure they both contribute to the health of the relationship yadda yadda but the girl does not have the tools to communicate better. Whether they'd be time and a feeling of safety, professional guidance, or even the simple ability to recognize the state she's in is detrimental. Coming down on her for not having the capacity that she is in no way capable of doing is ridiculous. I'm not even coming down on the boy for being on half of a shaky relationship. What I am coming down on him for is that he actively impedes her opportunity to gain these tools in favor of his savior complex.
I'm not assigning blame for the health of their relationship. If this chapter had just been him making clumsy attempts at getting close to his gf to get her to open up he'd just be a kid out of his depth and doing his best the same as her. But here he has a selfish streak where doing his best means ignoring and blocking any alternatives that don't place him front and center. And that makes him real punk in my book.
I understand your point about the boyfriend's intentions and actions. It's clear that his attempts to support his girlfriend stem from genuine concern and a desire to help her navigate her challenges. Characterizing his efforts as merely a savior complex overlooks the depth of care and commitment he is showing towards his partner's well-being. It's important to acknowledge the emotional labor and patience involved in trying to encourage a loved one to share their burdens, especially when they are noticeably struggling.
Your observation rightly highlights the need for a more balanced view of the situation. The boyfriend, in his efforts to engage and support his girlfriend, deserves recognition for the empathy and initiative he's shown. It's not an easy task to stand by someone who is dealing with personal issues, especially when attempts to help are met with resistance or silence.
At the same time, it's crucial to consider the girl's perspective and the complexities of her situation. While it may seem that she's not taking steps to help herself, the reality of coping with personal issues can often be paralyzing and complex. The path to opening up about one's problems is deeply personal and can be hindered by many factors, including fear of judgment, not wanting to burden others, or not knowing how to articulate one's feelings.
Acknowledging the efforts of both individuals in this scenario allows for a more compassionate and comprehensive understanding. The boyfriend's actions show a laudable commitment to their relationship and his partner's well-being, while the girl's hesitance underscores the often challenging nature of personal struggles. Moving forward, finding a way to communicate effectively and supportively could be beneficial for both, helping to bridge the gap between concern and understanding.