Hi Eliana,

Thanks for your input and advice, I really appreciate it. You are right that I often find myself feeling and thinking that many of my basic needs aren’t being met by this relationship. It’s so obvious at times that there is very little effort being put forth on his end to understand where I’m coming from, much less support me. It’s difficult for me to see things clearly in this situation because we have been together for so long and because I feel like I can see the potential and possibilities of our relationship. My mental state at this point in time is also inhibiting me from having the clearest view.

…I guess it’s hard for me because I see myself as so imperfect and so inadequate, and I harbor a hope that I will maybe manage to improve and be able to move forward in my life and change for the better. I suppose I’m applying that hope, that benefit of the doubt that I’m giving myself, to our relationship and to him. I see more in the both of us that what we currently are. But perhaps that is faulty thinking and poor rationale to continue the relationship. Thanks again for writing!