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November 24, 2020 at 12:47 pm in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369842TimParticipant
Danny, I have high hopes for your new relationship, you know why?
Firstly, I’m so impressed with your recognition for mine, @KKasxo @Sammy, and @Shelbyville advice. You are highly percipient and capable of self-awareness. That took me a lot of therapy sessions to achieve, so you should be very proud of the individual you are becoming. The offer to her for couple therapy is remarkable, you are showing in your actions you are serious.
In the words of Freud “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways” This couldn’t be any truer, we can run from our insecurities and fears but never hide. So continue to tackle and deal with all your emotions, communicate your feelings no matter how silly, don’t let them brew and overrule you.
Now us men we always have a plan when we approach a woman, and when we have been hurt we can develop the attitude all women are the same, we know we want something out of the situation because we have approached her. When we are confused and immature we will deliberately be vague in our intentions so “let’s see” is usually we are not ready for commitment but will gladly take the ride. When there’s no progress for the lady, we think we don’t have to accept any accountability.
But you have a plan, you stated “let’s do this” and it’s a long term goal , you are focused on the win – you’ve made it clear you are going in for a serious long haul relationship, so you are accepting any accountability from the offset and that Danny is GROWTH, you’ve become a man! No confusion for her, you’ve set your intentions and willing to be brought to task by being honest, upfront and authentic!
Treat her well mate, from your descriptions of her she is one amazing woman. She’s assured and intelligent for walking away when she did, much like my partner. A loyal confident woman is not afraid to ask for what she wants and give it some time but if her needs are not being met she will walk away if needs be.
B is also very savvy and wise to not offer up the goods without the commitment even though she obviously cared and felt something for you! Again many girls make the mistake to attain the affection, she knows who she is and what she wants. Be good to her and make her your Queen and given her characteristics she will treat you like a King too.
I got a lumbered with a sister ( I love her really) but it’s been nice playing the role of an older bro virtually, if you need any other man to man advice, feel free to contact me, I’ll try and get back to you when I can.
I had to congratulate you, what an amazing turnaround. Your boyfriend is obviously very serious, it must feel amazing to hear the words “I love you” given your journey. I’m incredibly pleased for you and I’d say focus on the warm fuzziness of hearing those words because you deserve to hear them, be excited for the adventure ahead together presumably you see it as a long term given age? I know you really wanted this, so forget the family drama. Danny is right family will always come around. You’ve had a rough time so enjoy these magical moments of falling in love! Don’t let fear stop you from enjoying it! So happy for you!
November 20, 2020 at 10:35 am in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369657TimParticipantHello mate,
Kudos to you for being brave! It’s not easy to do especially when you’ve faced heart crushing rejection in the past. You’ve just overcome a major obstacle so be proud!
You need to give yourself some credit. You may have handled things very poorly before but you’ve put in the effort to make amends, better yourself and mature. The above posts reflects that in your actions. You really sound like a boy who has become a man. Someone who is respectful of others emotions, showing vulnerability and giving well wishes if the outcome doesn’t favour you.
Over the weekend try and find something to focus on other than the outcome. Let her decide in peace, be confident if you are meant to be it will be because you’ve done everything possible and proactively. Whatever she decides is her choice. Her feelings are not to be minimised.
You presented yourself well and the rest is down to fate. Don’t let it discourage the growth. Keep yourself propelling forwards regardless of the outcome.
Given what she said, I’d say it really is 50/50. She really did accept and want you but she clearly is a woman of self worth and knows she deserves more. It’s down to her to decide if she wants to risk it to ascertain if you can give her more long term.
I honestly believe reading your posts, you are looking to be your improved self but not willing to lose yourself i.e. beg, be a yes man or contort entirely for the relationship. That will make your relationship healthier and you more attractive to her. She is the same too, not willing to lose her values and accept less.
I think you have a good chance mate, I really do. Fingers crossed for you. If all goes well let me give you some sage advice, man to man and based on my experience.
You will need to build the trust, attraction and respect all over again. Don’t get complacent.
I see resemblance of myself in you. We are both men with high drives. Great sex can sometimes create a false feeling we call love. It’s actually just an attachment to the other that can be strong due to the hormones released. To base a future decision on this is immature. You may think that’s what you need a test run, if you push for that with her you’ll wind up where you started causing her to feel used and disrespected.
From experience, I would say, don’t consider it something that can keep a relationship together over the long haul.
You two seem compatible emotionally and that is significantly more important. In many relationships there is great sex but the other parts like feeling understood, having emotional needs met, being authentic can begin to feel starved when the sex/lust wears off. Incompatibility becomes an issue.
So consider being each others support, sounding boards, etc more valuable. Building a strong foundation of friendship and then the other parts, you will not go wrong. I promise, if you connect in that way when you eventually do the deed you will be able to communicate each others needs to create fireworks. This is what mature adult relationships entail.
The ones that thrive on drama and highs and lows always end. I speak from experience.
If you need any other advice let me know however I will not be able to respond over the weekend. Don’t do anything foolish! Anxiety can kick in but just sit with it !
Good luck mate👍
Tim
- This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by Tim.
November 18, 2020 at 4:28 pm in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369574TimParticipantJust about to head to bed have an early start with work but I couldn’t agree more. I know I mentioned proposing but in the manner I did. I knew before any reconciliation I thought we could be a long term prospect and I committed to that goal. I think calling her on Friday to propose right away would be ridiculous:
1. You need to clarify what she wants, then respect that choice. She may not even want a reconciliation so to thrust a proposal on her would be unfair.
However, you have momentum so communicate openly about your feelings and be vulnerable. If she gives you a chance tell her you want to date with the intention to marry her, that’s what it needs to be by sounds of it to uphold her values. Follow it up by a proposal within 3-6 months..you will do this naturally if you are serious and committed to that goal. Bare in mind you will be starting a fresh you are not the same people you were when you first met, you have both grown. Hopefully that growth will make your new relationship stronger. Yet it is still a risk and even if you were to date and propose she may say no still. There’s no guarantee so you have to accept that.
Only reconcile if you are ready for a long term commitment and that risk, I think you are given your above post. It’s showing wisdom.
November 18, 2020 at 3:32 pm in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369572TimParticipantDanny boy,
She has a valid point mate by treating people with empathy, kindness using emotional intelligence exhibiting the qualities she did, didn’t make her weak or a simp. If you had been mature enough you’d have realised that then instead of listening to stupid lad bait or social media. Too many people advise playing game’s. This will do nothing but cause you to get confused feelings, whereas it appears she was actually strong for being authentic and sticking to her virtues. Many people don’t know who they are or are inauthentic. You need to be vulnerable, that means putting ego aside, if you are still feeling insecure/unworthy, I’d suggest working on that beforehand so if given the chance you don’t slip into those bad habits.
I read the other thread. I do think you are being sincere and not looking for another notch on your belt. I understand your reasoning perhaps you didn’t word it very well. So don’t let yourself completely spiral! You are growing and commend yourself for being brave and facing her in person to make amends. Many men wouldn’t. So kudos to you.
Just communicate honestly and respect her wishes. I’ll try and reply. If not I hope @Kkasxo @Sammy and @Shelbyville can advise you over the weekend.
Good luck, don’t undo your hard work mate 👍
November 18, 2020 at 3:38 am in reply to: I am in love with my best friend but he loves someone else. #369550TimParticipantHi Lula,
He is selfish as he didn’t think about the implications of his behaviour on you until you pointed it out and made it clear to him. He only gained from it.
A selfless person puts the needs of others first. Is aware of their actions.
You were also complicit and you need to next time avoid engaging in something if the person has a partner. We all make mistakes. We are humans. I’ve done silly selfish things too. However I’ve evolved and matured.
I completely understand you love him, it’s unrequited love the painful kind. Like I said previously love can also be blind, we put the person on a pedestal make excuses but eventually we have to confront the truth. You don’t need to hurt him, you just need to think about what is best for yourself and move on.
I’m in my 30s old enough to be wise from the mistakes I have made and lessons taken from experience but young enough to relate and empathise how it feels when you fall in love for the first time in your 20s.
Good luck doll.
Tim
November 17, 2020 at 11:26 pm in reply to: I am in love with my best friend but he loves someone else. #369545TimParticipantHi Lula doll,
Humans are social creatures we form bonds and attachments. Some people attach more than others based on their childhood experience. However, we are also naturally made to survive – survival of the fittest. With time, patience and some self love you’ll lose the attachment but it is something you need to choose to do and then commit to.
You need to let go of him because this person is very selfish. He led you on and used you as an emotional support whenever things were going wrong with his actual girlfriend, he was incapable of self awareness. He should never have engaged in the type of talks with you if he was seeing someone else. It is very disrespectful. You may not see it now but you are better off without this toxic mess in your life. It’s down to him being immature and underdeveloped as a human being. The remorse and guilt is something he needs to work through and hopefully it will make him a better man in the future.
You’re a good person that’s why you do not like seeing others hurt no matter how much others hurt you. However you also have very low self esteem for you to continue this ‘friendship’ with someone who shows you how little he valued you through his actions. Do you not deserve a real boyfriend who gives you his full attention or a real friend who will not violate the boundaries especially if they are dating or ‘serious’ with someone else already?
Don’t feed off a person’s breadcrumbs because that will make you complicit. Don’t try to find excuses to remain in touch. Letting go will be hard but it will be the best thing for your self. Look at the effects it’s having on your studies. You’ve made him aware of his actions, the effect on you. You are not responsible for his guilt. He will need to do the work on himself to grow.
I can’t emphasise enough how you shouldn’t be allowing someone who hurt you, used you then initially denied his part until you spelt it out crystal clear to have this much control over you and your future.
Good luck in your studies, may your hard work pay off in your exam. It’s up to you to decide whether you’ll let this impact your life. You have the power to not let it!
Tim
November 17, 2020 at 3:03 pm in reply to: I am in love with my best friend but he loves someone else. #369513TimParticipantHi Lula,
That was a difficult read but I think I got the gist of it. Firstly apologies but I haven’t been on the forums for a while hence I didn’t reply.
The advice I gave you still stands, he was immature and ignorant of your feelings. I’m glad he has remorse and is regretful for his actions which shows he is not completely ill intentioned. Sometimes when you confront people with the truth it can shake them and push them to grow up. Hopefully this will prove a pinnacle moment in his life where he will learn a valuable lesson, to not toy with people’s emotions, not be disrespectful and to not hurt others. I’m sure with time you both can reach a mutual understanding but right now some distance is what’s needed. He shouldn’t be your priority after all the pain he had caused. Don’t let him ruin your future prospects too!
You will only get one attempt at this test, so love yourself and your future. You have worked very hard to throw it away over a boy. You are very young there will be plenty of boys. So have a day to cry it all out but then shift your focus onto what you want to be, give this exam your best effort. That’s my advice. Don’t let him be a distraction, you have the power and control.
Tim
November 17, 2020 at 6:01 am in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369461TimParticipantHello @Danny mate,
That went very well, from my personal experience I’d say you doing what you did will resonate deep within her. She has a high EI.
Also I noticed @Shelbyville referenced her ex and if I was to use my experience with my first ex as a reference I’d agree with her sentiment that we may be looking for false hope in certain moments. However, in those situations we were the dumpees trying to find validation from the dumper.
Your situation is like what I experienced with my current partner. Although they walked away themselves due to their self worth, we still felt aggrieved but they had actually wanted us but it was us who had pushed them away. Like ‘B’ pointed out we resisted nurturing a relationship with someone who valued us out of fear. So if she is like my partner and really had a soft spot for you, you have just done the best thing in acknowledging your role and apologising.
Strike while the iron is hot, you could take the softly softly approach. Being friends etc but given how you describe her..being direct is your best option.
Tell her you want her if that means proposing to meet her values do it! My partner and I when we reconciled I knew I was going to propose and we are now having a baby.
I read your other thread and Anita’s description of ‘B’ was:
“….seems amazing, an evolved woman, uniquely insightful, intelligent, empathetic.. amazingly mentally healthy and emotionally resourceful and generous.”
I couldn’t agree more mate with all the above. She is one classy lady with a strong sense of self. During my ‘phase’ I met many women but I didn’t meet someone as emotionally intelligent, selfless and kind as my partner. These women are rare, which is why further down the line if you have grown enough, you’ll always regret treating these women wrong.
Anita poignantly said “What are the chances you ever come across a woman like this again?” Plenty of women but very rare to find the gems. She supported you through a very turbulent time, she left with grace and allowed you to get your redemption. So if you are serious about settling down in life, serious about commitment then what you have there is a woman who will stand by you and be your anchor. This life is rough, to have someone supportive,not spooked or rattled by our weaknesses and anxieties makes the journey better.
By proposing it will show you are serious, it will show you are no longer the unavailable, immature boy who was scared of real love.
Bare in mind she may say no but like I said love is a risk. Part of the risk is rejection. Being authentic, vulnerable and showing your true self always is better than putting up walls and not experiencing the real thing.
Keep us updated! I have a good feeling about your chances mate 👍
Thank you for you very kind words, I’m beyond chuffed. I still can’t quite believe I’m going to be a Dad to a tiny human being – currently the size of a kumquat!
Rupert would have been a great big bro, very bittersweet. I’m grateful though.
You seem to be under an immense amount of stress. Have you reached out to those around you? Confided in your boyfriend? You’re not alone, I’m happy to offer any guidance or experience whether that’s to do with work circumstances or your relationship. So if you wish feel free to share. There will always be negative thoughts with anxiety and it’s not easy being empathetic and kind in a very demanding world so don’t fight who you are . Just learn to change your response to the negativity. I’m here if you need to talk doll.
November 14, 2020 at 2:39 pm in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369324TimParticipant@Danny thanks mate, beyond chuffed!
You’re doing the right thing because you’ve taken time to get to the root of your feeling. It is sad we allow our baggage and immaturity to act out and hurt the ones who love us the most but we are human, part of becoming better is growing.
By apologising for your misdemeanours and immature actions, in the way you are, takes growth so kudos to you for facing those emotions and giving a wonderful person the closure to that part in your story.
You can’t look at seeking redemption from her, it will have to come within yourself but doing the morally correct thing by acknowledging your mistakes whilst facing her will be the turning point.
Don’t over complicate or plan. Go in and show her rawness, authenticity and vulnerability. Face what you felt, tell her how you feel without putting up the protection to save yourself rejection and if she is the one for you like my partner was for me. She’ll want to show compassion. Don’t try and win her back tomorrow. Just apologise, if done sincerely she will see your actions and know you have made improvements.
Be aware she will most likely say a lot of things which will hurt to hear. Don’t get your back up and RESPECT her choice. There has been a long space that means enough time to grow for you but also her, she may have moved on, may be in a relationship. Part of accountability is acceptance for the outcome of our actions. If luck and fate are on your side you’ll reconcile. If not, chalk it up as an experience that will make you a better man. It will have shown the courage within you to face your emotions and fears. You’ll never make the same mistake twice if you’ve learned, whether that’s with her or another woman.
Handle her with care, she is a woman and as fierce and independent as they are. You need to have the emotional intelligence to understand that the female species is delicately balanced, emotional and that’s a beautiful thing not something to cringe, scoff or abuse.
If it goes well, be patient don’t rush it. Re engage in a way you can naturally build the chemistry, trust and future with a fresh clean slate. Past left behind. I think based on what you described, where it ended is likely to play in your favour if a reconciliation happens, higher likelihood of success. When ex become co dependent, toxic and too involved then it is difficult to wipe the slate clean.
Keep us posted. Just rest and dress well! A small token always breaks the ice.
November 11, 2020 at 9:02 am in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #369020TimParticipantRecently I kept receiving notifications but my life has been very chaotic to respond. In short, my partner and I are expecting. It was a shock but we are overjoyed. It cemented my decision to propose even further. I’ve also started a new job since being made redundant. It’s been bittersweet I lost Rupert but I’ll be gaining a new member of the family soon. After reading a few posts I felt impelled to reply.
@Sammy how are you doll? Something deeper is troubling you it seems.. You’ve made so much progress of late, don’t let yourself become defeated now. I sense you feel lost without something to focus your thoughts on. I can imagine helping @Shelbyville then dealing with your ex has given you plenty to tune into. When it comes to tuning out you become unsettled.This feeling of needing a focus can be a good thing if utilised in a productive manner and used to set career/personal goals but it can also be equally destructive if the thoughts spiral and you become transfixed in a negative thought pattern.
@Shelbyville, I or whoever you feel has not responded might just be extraordinarily busy.However this does not diminish your feelings in any way. If you feel like thar it is better to voice it always. People around you who care can adjust their behaviour. Don’t let your mind assume your input is irrelevant. You offer a lot of sage advice.
I’ve been on both ends of extremities, with my first ex I people pleased and with the breakup I became selfish to protect myself.
There is an element of you over extending there, you give too much of yourself and when it’s not returned in the form you deliver you feel abandoned sometimes or used.
People by their very nature can be selfish unknowingly. I’ve been guilty of being that myself in the past. So to overcome that feeling of being used, learn to set boundaries. Learn to not have expectations if you want to give because very few people are truly altruistic and selfless. It’s ok to feel hurt, it’s ok to pull back and take time out. What’s not ok is self loathing and allowing the thoughts to make you feel unhappy/unimportant.
So chin up doll, you have done remarkably well.
@Lucie how are you feeling doll? Has moving back with your mum helped in getting more access to healing yourself? Thinking of you, nausea can be awful with anxiety, lying on you tummy overhanging off the bed and deep breathing helps me!
@Kkasxo you have offered very compassionate insight to Danny quite remarkable. I hope you manage to find peace and pets are an amazing comfort. The unconditional love can be very healing. Again I picked up on Mr A. I will not impart male advice unless you ask but the offer always stands.
@Shelbyville Career change limbo can be draining! Hang in there though because financially the economic market is looking gloomy.I know the exact feeling you turn up to work feeling uninspired because it’s been an insidious creep of inauthenticity, and it’s eating you from the inside out. You don’t enjoy your job in fact you probably can’t stand it, you become tired of putting on a false pretense.
For me the one thing that’s helped because I can not afford the financial implications of quitting especially with a baby on the way. It’s been my home – my partner. She’s proven to be the anchor. This is why I think it’s really vital in a relationship to have someone who can see your vulnerabilities, anxieties and not become rattled when you need to vent, offers comfort and support when you need to unload, to be the calm amongst the chaos.
Doing something for yourself too as an outlet a side project for me it’s Lego helps tune out. Reduce working hours and again not over extending so taking lunch, taking time to message back your friends and family. I hope that helps. I sympathise with how you feel.
Let me state this, you are not an evil person. You have made some schoolboy errors. Let me be your hope at redemption. It’s entirely possible but only if you forgive yourself and commit to evolving into being the improved version, becoming self aware and managing your emotions.
I’m not an advocate for getting back with a toxic ex. My first ex nearly destroyed me. However ‘B’ sounds like a wonderful quality partner..so in the same breath I would never rule anyone out, arbitrarily, just because they were an “ex”.
The biggest question you need to ask yourself truthfully is;
1. Am I doing this out of loneliness? If the answers yes, do not approach her. Leave her alone. You will hurt her again. She does not deserve that at all.
I had a similar experience you did and it made me the man I am today, my previous posts go in depth. I made mistakes but the key is in making amendments and forgiveness.
It’s the only way forward. To give yourself a clean break, let go of the past and start a future anew. She can be a part of your new future, if you fix up for yourself. I’m living proof and about to have a child and marry my own ‘B’ . Good luck mate 👍
October 7, 2020 at 8:36 pm in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #367664TimParticipant@Kkasxo – Happy belated birthday wishes to you!
@Sammy doll, I’ve come on very late in the night to express my deepest apologies. I made a commitment which I can’t fulfill. It was very shortsighted of me to commit time and raise your hopes of regular correspondence only to withdraw it so soon. My partner has had some personal circumstances arise and it is my turn to step up for her. I have to respect my limits and need to pull back and not overstretch. I’m very sorry that I will not be posting as I just do not have the capacity to right now. I do not know for how long I will be away from the forum therefore will not make any further promises which may disappoint. I hope you understand. I wanted to offer an explanation.Whatever choice you make Sammy, there’s no right or wrong. Take your time and don’t forget you are strong and will overcome any hurdle as long as you keep fighting. I hope @Shelbyville and the rest can keep your spirits lifted and aid your decision.
October 5, 2020 at 3:24 pm in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #367591TimParticipant@Sammy doll,
Very pleased to hear from you, I knew you just needed space to recentre yourself. You are a courageous woman, fighting addiction is a war. The many mini battles along the way will try you and we are all human prone to mistakes. Please do not be so harsh on yourself. You are doing great!
I do not believe you have been selfish at all, you offered to help me equally as much as @Shelbyville, @Lucie and others on this forum. You all showed a great deal of understanding and compassion for Rupert’s loss, which I’m grateful for. Thank you.
Sometimes we can not make ourselves immediately available to others due our own emotional exhaustion, I understand that. The mark of a good person is when they are in a better space they will reach out, you have done so. Do not carry any guilt. It is a useless emotion in this case.
Proud of you for continuing your efforts to stay sober. As long as you don’t give up. You’ll reach your goal! Well done and kudos for keeping up the good fight.
I’m tapering off my dose, so will be slower to reply, whilst acclimatising back to reality. I’m still wanting to correspond but I know you get a little unsettled when it is not regular replies, so I will attempt to regularly reply on Monday’s as a minimum for you. I’m glad some affection from nearest and dearest has pulled you back from the brink. You are loved. Do not forget that when spiralling.
@Shelbyville has rightly commented there will be no judgement if you decide to contact your ex. We can advise so you don’t face the pitfalls we did but it’s your own choice. I think @Shelbyville will agree whatever the decision you’ll still take away from it, if not now, further down the line. It is all growth.Contacting exes can be a minefield and complex at times. Sometimes it does wonders and can aid healing if you contact mature individuals, other times it sets you right back and hinders progress.
You have to be prepared to deal with new emotions it may throw up. You will not know how the other person now feels or how they will react. Feelings can change. There’s no right or wrong and you have to do what’s best for you.
The naysayers will always say someone without self worth reaches out to an ex. An ex is an ex for a reason and any attempt of contact is always an attempt to reconcile.
However, there are so many variables, I can list a handful of reasons I have reached out without wanting reconciliation.
GUILT – from ending a relationship immaturely
ATONEMENT– Ashamed of a bad phase, hurt a few women unnecessarily. They were gracious enough to forgive. It healed me and I restarted my love life with intent.
NOSTALGIA/CARE– when a genuine emotional bond is formed. You’ll continue to care about the wellness of the other person. They will cross your mind from time to time. So I have reached out to make sure a one or two exes were doing OK in life and they are happily married. Now that I’m in a LTR I have consulted my partner out of respect and she is happy for us to be acquainted as she knows who my nature.
BOREDOM – I’m not proud of this but I’ve divulged in ego boosts during the bad phase of my life. The lack of real connection made me address my infantile behaviour as it ate away at me and I realised I was being inauthentic.
In all the above cases contact was good for me personally as it offered introspection on another level which led to who I am today.
RECONCILIATION:
Getting in touch with my first ever ex was a mistake. She never had the EI to understand me. I was in love with idea of her, but she could never meet my needs. Every contact was an with the intention to reconcile. I should have known it was irretrievably lost after breaking up the first time. Contact just cut the wounds deeper and I almost ruined my life through addictions etc. Eventually I chose to stay away and do no contact indefinitely. I care about her and if we crossed paths I’d happily greet her. She has no space in my life in any capacity, I see now she brought out the worst traits in me and reminding myself of that period of life is painful.
Just to flip the script, my current partner believe it or not when we met I was going through my player phase, but I felt a real connection, it excited and scared me simultaneously. She had the intuitiveness to see through my facade and was very compassionate and made me stay in good form. I was authentic with her which involved me being emotionally immature, I pressed self destruct before we had even had the chance to be together as a serious couple. She rightly walked away but did so compassionately.
I needed time to introspect, time to understand that pushing her away was out of deeper feelings for her hence the self sabotage and projections. Therapy really helped here and I gained a better understanding of my behaviour and emotions. I contacted her many month’s later only when I had done the hard graft, she deserved that. I also knew she wouldn’t accept anything less because although humble she was self confident and knew her worth. Timing and luck worked it’s magic.
At times for the right person it pays off to swallow your pride and contact them. That space where we both grew individually then reunited with intent made us the couple we are today and now I’m planning to propose to her. Therefore no contact forever isn’t applicable to all situations.
I hope therapy is going well for you. Pets are wonderful addition to family. Maybe you can have a dog one day soon. Their loyalty and companship is often better than a human can offer you!
Your feedback was very lovely. My partner would be elated with anything too. She isn’t materialistic but she has had an incredible impact in shaping me to be a better man and partner. I shall reflect the gratitude in my proposal by spoiling her rotten.
We have officially been together for 7 months as a couple. I have known her for almost 2 years in which there was a significant period we had no contact. When we first met we only went as far as 2nd base, as a man I respected her more for this. Her intent was always committed relationship.
It isn’t the quantity of time you’ve known someone, it is the impact they have and quality of the relationship. In a short time she has had an everlasting change within me and always brought out the best version of me.
Happy 2nd Year to propelling yourself to become a better, stronger individual. You took a step to help yourself by posting on this forum. In the process you’ve saved many. Kudos to you!
A toast (Sammy don’t be getting ideas! It’s a cup of tea) to better days ahead, you’ve survived. Be proud and applaud yourself for the hard work you’ve done. Many would rather stagnate but you keep fighting.
It’s good to read you are feeling stable and anxiety has abated around your relationship and job for now. Anxiety is part of the human condition some of us are more susceptible. It is incurable but with the right tools it can be managed. If you need any help or insight, I’m happy to assist.
September 28, 2020 at 10:27 am in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #367349TimParticipantThank you for your kind condolences. I couldn’t agree more pets are just like family sometimes even better because you get to choose them!! In regards to yourself you are aware of your pattern and want to work on yourself, that takes a lot of courage. Kudos to you for taking the approach to look inwardly and deal with your issues not many do that. This will help you tremendously as you’ve broken the first pattern of needing an immediate void filler. Therapy will take time and many sessions but to get the best out of therapy listen to the therapist but also use your own judgement and intellect. That is when you will become more self sufficient, strong and not passive to red flags. If you have doubts about your treatment or the progress you’ve made challenge your therapist, take up those doubts forthrightly with the therapist. If you are not making progress and continue to repeat mistakes or patterns, it means something is amiss. Sometimes it takes different method of therapy, different therapist etc. There will be bad days amongst the good but commit to self improvement and it will come. Good luck @Rhaenys!
@Shelbyville, your understanding of my loss reflected you must be an animal lover. Dogs really are a man’s best friend. Your father is lucky, I hope his dog remains with him for many years. I’m trying to be positive and Rupert would not want me moping, but it takes a huge readjustment. I miss the daily walks and the affection when I came home etc. It’s a new week, I need to keep pressing ahead with this new momentum to honour Rupert’s help during my dark phase and try not to get stuck in a new rut!Prior to Rupert’s passing I was planning on proposing to my partner, after her incredible emotional support over this period, I feel even more sure in my decision. His loss and redundancy really took its toll to the point I’ve needed ssri’s again. I’m tapering the dosage now but I wanted some advice or ideas from the ladies so please do give suggestions. Hoping to feel better and make it special for her.
It is apparent some of your anxiety is arising from job unsatisfaction. Usually I’d say if something continues to makes you unhappy or brings unease it’s time to quit. Learning when to quit, for the sake of your own happiness is a key part of character growth. However, making this type of decision to quit a job for internal peace is compounded by the current climate and uncertainty economically. Unless you can secure another job that you are passionate about quickly or can afford to financially be off work, I’d say grit it and bear it for now. The stress associated with no income coming in and having financial commitments is heck of lot worse!
It’s good to hear your weekend has been great and your new boyfriend has shown through ACTION he is serious and ready for commitment. Meeting the parents this early is encouraging too. How does this make you feel? Has staying with him during the week now that you WFH and the commitment abated the anxiety? Have you now shared the mental health issues you deal with?
If you still feel you are going down a rabbit hole then it’s fear of something, look inwards, ask yourself some questions. You are the only one with the key to unlock the answers. I can give you prompts if you want that I asked myself in past relationships. The first one being;
What scares you the most?
Relationships are a risk. So if you enter one with an open heart you have already unwittingly accepted the risk of heartbreak. Scary? Believe me I know, especially when I’ve experienced an extreme reaction to a relationship ending but I also survived, as have you.Trying to control an outcome in a new relationship never works. Why? Relationships require two people. The only control you have is of your own thoughts, feelings and actions. It’s simpler than we think but we make it difficult because of the games and ridiculous advice spewed by “love gurus” which just encourages manipulation and the pretense of control.
Through your actions be brave enough to express to someone who you really are and that you want them. If they value you and want you they’ll reciprocate that action making you feel secure. If they don’t make you feel secure there’s a reason. The reason is never you are not enough. It is always because you are not the right fit together.
Time will always reveals what foundations a relationship or connection is formed on if they are shaky or built on lust the relationship will not last. The truth of the situation will always present itself. Don’t be afraid to invest some time but be aware and confident to walk away if needs are not being met time and time again.
TimParticipantSeptember 26, 2020 at 7:59 am in reply to: Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up #367267TimParticipant@Shelbyville Very touched by your intuitive understanding and highly appreciate the sentiment, thank you. Do you have pets? It really is heartwarming when strangers (although I consider you all my TB crew now) are able to understand your grief and pain so well. Your words have uplifted me during a difficult time.
This thread itself serves as a constant reminder when caught up in our own storms that behind closed doors there are so many people suffering from their own battles and hurting, so I try to remind myself to be kind. To reach out to people with unexpected kindness. To invest in good people who have accepted me for who I am whilst encouraging and nurturing me further. It took a lot of growth to stop my heart hardening after my first relationship and not be selfish. Kindness was what healed me. Surround yourself with that doll, that energy will raise you. The anxious thoughts will allay.
If you need any help with navigating relationships. I’m here to help, I’ve been there and experienced neediness etc.
I think your therapist is right, dissecting a relationship so intensely in your mind can lead you to leaving before you have given it a real chance. The best assessment is always of your partners actions. So just step back and relax, observe his actual actions don’t be fooled by words. It is casual so act casually.
In regards to Sammy, she thought she needed tough love, but deep down she is caught between a strong mind and fragile heart. Like you said she is very astute however clearly needs time to confront her emotions, I hope she returns too and realises she has plenty of support and love on here and continues to fight.
Have a lovely weekend and walk amongst the nature. Thank you for your words, it’s amazing how a reply or reaching out can touch a soul. Takes a few minutes but is priceless.
Tim
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