Above the Emotional Waters
Remember that the 6 of swords here is, well, swords. That means a meeting of minds, communication. The water may be turbulent emotions, but the people sail above those waters toward the other shore; they DO NOT swim in them. Thus, it would seem that the boyfriend wants to get above the emotional turbulence, wants to talk things out and find a meeting of minds.
6/Swords is often about working out problems and, most especially, finding a solution via communication or logical thinking. For all that emotional waters are involved, it isn't a card about emotional solutions. In some decks, the six swords are shown pointing inward, as might be done with knights setting down their swords on a round table, establishing peace and a willingness to calmly discuss their problems. This is likely what the boyfriend wants: common sense, rational thinking, quiet talks. Most especially, he probably wants to get away from arguing about what's wrong and actively find solutions. He might even be considering a therapist (the boat to sail them to that other shore?), to help quiet the emotions and get them talking. He, at least, has had enough of the tears, drama, and watery emotions.
The problem your friend might be having with this is that the 6/Swords requires her to be equally cool headed, to also want to find a logical solutions. To talk without getting emotional. That may not be what she needs or wants. She might want emotional empathy, for her boyfriend to to hug and kiss her and tell her he understands how she feels. If this is the case, then he may be coming across to her as cold and distant.
So here's the real question--what does SHE want? How does she want the dispute handled/solved? That will tell you why there's still a problem between them even though the cards suggest that the boyfriend wants to work things out.
