Death of a Parent: Negative Impact On A Couple’s Relationship

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Mother's Death Threatens Couple's Love Relationship

A reader writes: I've been with my fiance for almost two years. His mother passed away unexpectedly nine months ago, and he was the one to find her. I understand this is a significant emotional struggle for anyone. I've tried to be there for him as much as possible, but any time he loses his temper, it's usually taken out on me.
He has asked me to marry him, and of course I said yes. I love him so much, but I just don't know how to help him. He gets upset when I hang out with my friends, and wants me to give that up to be able to support him. We do not live together, we actually live some distance away from each other. Mother's Day was especially difficult for him. He doesn't think going to speak to a therapist will help him, only being with me, which is so difficult given the distance. He angers so easily and threatens to break up with me, then takes it all back. He claims that I'm in the way of him getting better, but then takes that back too. What can I do to help him? Has anyone else ever experienced this? I just feel so sad, because we should be planning a wedding, not fighting constantly. Thanks for your help.