Hi Anita,

Thank you for your response. I was afraid to hear that and am heartbroken I’ve destroyed something that was so special. I feel so ashamed of how much I hurt him as well as myself, and how I’ve been unable to change my toxic behaviour after all this time. But it’s reassuring you think it is for the best that we end things too, thank you.

We’re both extremely drained from it all and you’re absolutely right our energies would be better spent “individually and separately, to survive this pandemic and be healthier people at the end of this global crisis”. I agree that the time for us to end things is probably right, but the timing really does suck!

Would you have any advice on how I may navigate breaking up, whilst we’re still living together, under lockdown? We’re in a 1-bed flat, both working from home now and only need to pass each other for the kitchen or if someone needs something from the bedroom or living room. These past few days have been horrible, and I dread the thought of staying like this for the next few weeks, even months, whilst we break up. And finding a new place to live at the moment, I think would be difficult/impossible. So staying put, but separated is pretty much the only option right now I think. Do you think we can manage a clean break up, in these conditions? How do I ensure I minimise the pain for both of us, as we end our relationship during this global crisis?

I lived with my ex for about 5 months after we broke up (after 6 years together) and that was all sorts of bad. Its not something I ever dreamt of repeating! And this time, there’s no escaping each other, no being with friends, or being outdoors/away to help with the separation and change. I feel quite sick at the thought of this 🙁