Home→Forums→Relationships→Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up
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April 29, 2021 at 10:44 am #378924JayParticipant
Bro I didn’t mean rethinking! I just meant a small seed of doubt given your history, I think it’s totally normal for anyone to have that with marriage, it definitely doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to, let her work it out and have a good discussion when she’s ready, like I said it could be of benefit to really talk it out so your all on the same page. I know you think the world of her and she must know that and you know the feeling is mutual so you just need to navigate the bump in the road and everything will be fine I’m sure of it.
April 29, 2021 at 11:00 am #378925DannyParticipantYou don’t know how grateful I am for your time. Thank you. I really appreciate you @Rhaenys and @Jay2023 responding.
I know I messed up. To address your points I didn’t text her that evening because truth is I was being stubborn and butthurt and only thinking about how I felt. I also honestly didn’t reflect on the gravity of the situation that transpired and naively believed it would blow over. But now I see how vulnerable she must have felt and I feel awful.
The next morning again you are right due to my stupidity and lack of reflection, I thought it would be fine, normally when we butt heads over minor things we laugh it off,and our close friend once commented we were like Hopper and Joyce from Stranger Things and just need to bang already to release all our sexual tension so its been our running joke since. So I thought that would work and the fact when we are away or in different cities we have that natural chemistry. Again didn’t realise I had hurt her so deeply so this would have added to the insensitivity of the evening before.
Your woman’s perspective sounds like exactly what’s happening. I can’t think of anything other than the argument and wedding stress but then again with the wedding stress have I really been listening or as attentive as I could have been. Like you said as a man we walk around oblivious until shit hits the fan.
I know how much she loves me, I would never question that but I also know too well that love on its own is never enough. What if she’s doubting the whole relationship because of my immaturity? What if I can’t make her as happy as she makes me?
I will follow yours and @Jay2023 advice and not harass her. I’ll do my best to wait patiently, I don’t want to accumulate more reasons for her to be upset or unsure. I want to demonstrate I respect her needs. Guys do you think I should contact her friends to make sure she’s OK or will she feel disrespected that I’ve gone behind her back or hinted all is not well to her friends? She deals with everything herself so will I be causing more problems or helping?
When I see her i intend on holding her tighter than you can imagine. I don’t mind space between us when we are good we are both independent but this is torture. Torture knowing she’s been crying and I couldn’t comfort her, torture knowing she may be rethinking the whole wedding that I’ve been moaning about. I’m such a fool!April 29, 2021 at 11:31 am #378928DannyParticipant@Jay2023 see my above post also please and to add if she’s anything like me and overthinks it then that seed of doubt may prove fatal 🙁 I know it can lead to self sabotage, I self sabotaged with her the first time we were together. I know you’re not spiritual but the pesky devil is very good at ruining things. I can’t exactly weed out the seed of doubt because she wants space.
April 29, 2021 at 11:43 am #378930JayParticipantYou will get your opportunity bro trust me! I know it’s tough, I would probably send a message over the weekend of you don’t hear from her to say your thinking her and everything and when she’s ready to talk you can, I’m not sure if that’s the right course of action but you don’t want her to think your not bothered about what’s happened, again I’m not the most knowledgeable in this situation, I think Sammy from a female perspective would be the best person to follow.
I do think you should not be so hard on yourself, yes you made a insensitive comment in the heat of a moment from a sore situation from the past, you’ve recognised where you went wrong and are determined to make amends, that makes you good person and she will know that.
April 29, 2021 at 1:25 pm #378939RhaenysParticipantOh @Dannydan.. All that you wrote now gives a totally different perspective. Now I think that the sentence you said, about how she wants to affect who will be your friend is the least problem.
So.. I’ll give you my perspective, as a woman, and a very emotional one.. Actually, I think the same as Sammy does.
First, you said that sentence, and I guess B felt hurt. First mistake. Then I guess because she was hurt, she said she should leave, and you just said fine. That is also not a good sign. Then she left home, and no message from you. And the next morning you act like nothing happened.. All that must have hurt her. I know you are aware of all those mistakes now, and I won’t brush it. Sammy also got them all, and you are now aware of that and sorry.
You know, I think that we learn during all of our lives. Yes, you learned from your mistakes, made things right with her, and you won’t make same mistakes again. But you’re still not perfect, no one is. Probably, not even B, and that’s fine, because she is a human beign, and don’t expect her to be always perfect, because that is hard to be. Big pressure on her.
So yes, you did grow, but there is always place to grow even more… You can’t expect, not even of you, that you won’t make mistakes.
Did you, in your contacts after the incident, told her how sorry are you? How you understand that you hurt her, what you did wrong? Because you wrote that after, you were messaging, you wrote that you are sorry, and when she called she just said she needed space? So I’m not sure if you had a chance to really explain everything what happened and how sorry you are, and why you reacted how you did. I’m not sure if you two managed to have a good and quality communication about what happened after that, before she asked for space.
What to do.. I think maybe a message like Jay said, tomorrow or during the weekend would be ok. Don’t ask her friends, if she finds out you asked your friends behind her back it could make things even more wrong.
Maybe a message, not just short one, “I’m sorry and thinking about you” but a bit longer, about how you feel and care for her might be a good idea? I’m interested in what would @Sammy suggest? I think I would like to know that, but I’m not her..April 29, 2021 at 2:12 pm #378944SammyParticipantDon’t do it Danny, don’t get a third party involved by contacting her friends or family. This is between you and her. You’ll lose her trust. Let her deal with her emotions and heal however SHE feels fit, just be patient.
I know you and @Jay2023 are men so think differently but us women (@Rhaenys) have both confirmed where some of her hurt is arising from. She has let you know what she needs in a mature way and hasn’t ignored you at any point. She just needs space although hard it’s a fair request given the context of this situations. If she had not rang you as usual or failed to reply to your text then we would all be telling you that this is silent treatment being used to gaslight.
So TRUST in your bond like @Jay2023 said. This is mature behaviour to communicate how you feel and to respect one another when asked.
You’ve hit the panic button for some reason, yeah you made a few rookie mistakes but you shouldn’t be feeling this insecure. Come on Danny, you’ve come so far to let old insecurities eat away at you again. You’re a better person than yesterday and you just need to continue in that vain. We all mess up, I have, I’m sure @Jay2023 and @Rhaenys have too and could tell you their own anecdotes. The test of character comes in how we make amends. I know you understand where you went wrong and are not egotistical so will do all you can.I will be realistic with you when you meet you will be able to determine whether this was simply a learning opportunity or if it was an event that warrants putting the brakes on the relationship. I doubt it will be the latter because I feel it in my body you two may bicker, may be opposites in some ways but you work on your love for each other that’s the secret recipe for a happy successful union.
So respect that time she has set aside stop questioning what she is doing or thinking, only she knows. We can only surmise based on our own experiences. Just as @Jay2023 said it is good blessing and time to think about if you’re on the same page, if not what you can do to compromise, take this time to introspect.
Learning to sit back and wait for communication without incessantly worrying is vital for healthy relationships too.
@Jay2023 and @Rhaenys suggested over the weekend you text her and although she has asked to not be contacted I think one text to just remind her you do care is not disrespectful at all it’s thoughtful, but after that if you receive no response just sit tight and wait. Keep it brief, something positive and remind her you’re thinking of her and you care. Let her know you are there whenever she is ready don’t force her hand in anyway.I’m rooting for you both Danny. I’m so sorry I can’t support you over the weekend. I’ll try on Sunday to make time to check but you stay strong and remember the love you have for one another is more than this blip 💙
April 30, 2021 at 5:16 am #378960DannyParticipantHope I do get that opportunity bro, maybe I am catastrophising, but I can’t shake the feeling I used up all my lives in round 1.
We were meant to be having a fun weekend with both our friends, introducing them to each other now restrictions have lifted a little. But this morning I had a few texts come through I haven’t opened them but from the preview it is the same sentiment saying shame about the cancelled weekend plans, hope ‘B’ gets better and are we going to rearrange? So she has been in touch with them to inform them because that’s who she is and that cements she definitely will not be resolving things today. She also hasn’t indicated anything about another date – my head is spinning, what does that mean? She’s thinking it’s over?
My head is going to explode, I had an awful night tossing and turning. I feel the uncertainty of not knowing is almost worse. It would be easier if she stated something, anything! That would give me an indication of which way it is headed and help me prepare or relax a little.
T0hank you for the idea of the text. I’m going to try writing something up. Run it past you guys in case I make another blunder.
I’m trying to remind myself of all the good memories and how I’ve proved to myself more than anyone I was capable of being a better version and better man. That this is a mistake but right now I’m just so disappointed in myself, I can’t help feeling ashamed. I suppose if I didn’t care about her, I would feel apathy about my actions and just ignore her, I wouldn’t face the consequences. So it’s heartening to know there’s a good heart somewhere amongst the mess. Why do we do it? We know better but still give into that bloody impulse and then hate having regrets. Why can’t we be stronger to avoid getting ourselves into stupid messy situations! Is it a male species phenomenon? Or do I just need to face up to the fact I’m still immature and emotionally stunted?
@Rhaenys thank you for confirming Sammy’s insight. Even though the circumstances are not ideal it helps having a female perspective given I initially reacted so insensitively.Thank you for acknowledging we can still grow a little bit more each day. I just hope it’s not too late. Women care too soon and men always care too late!
I will take yours and @Jay2023 suggestion and write a text to just let her know I’m here and do care. I haven’t fully apologised in depth. There hasn’t been a moment to express that and I always believe any hurt or pain caused should be rectified in person. With the space I just have to wait.
@Sammy1
Thank you so muchp for preventing me from doing further harm. Your advice is invaluable. I will keep reading it over and over and implement what you have said. I feel awful you had to take time out to reply to an idiot like me so I don’t want to address all the points you have made and compel you to reply. Please enjoy your weekend and I hope you and your bf have a great time. Thank you for rooting for me. It means the world.April 30, 2021 at 7:00 am #378969RhaenysParticipantHello @Dannydan
I asked if you managed to communicate after what happened, since when you wrote that post about all that happened, it seemed to me you did not have a chance to do that and it seems I was right. And now she asked for space..
I had that feeling you have now, many times before. When something in realtionship goes bad, and it’s your fault, and you know that.. The anxiety it’s really hard, the uncertainty. I know today you feel that, and the day is going slow probably, and you can’t stop thinking.
This is a page about mindfulness, but it’s hard to do that in your situation. I would be the same. But it will probably resolve after few days. I can just send you good wishes to hang on until that.(Sorry guys, sometimes it’s hard for me to find words, as English is not my mother language).
@Sammy1 asked yesterday what is happening with me and @Jay2023 but I wanted to talk about your issue first.I mentioned I’ve been chatting with a guy and these days we are talking about meeting. I’m panicking a bit, actually. I’m a bit afraid. It’s weird, chatting with someone for 3 months, and you think he is nice and interesting guy, and now you don’t know how will you feel in person.
Also… I had a problem that i was a bit cold in the beginning, and he was being really nice and kind in replying and I was not always. I had this fear, because he doesn’t live close, because I was unsure if I can have this kind of distance relationsip (it’s not too far, about 1 hour distance). I actually told him that and he reassured me. We are both aware we are just chatting and we don’t have a clue whether we can be even friends or now, because meeting in person means a lot, and we talked about that.
So I was the one who took longer to reply, afraid, even thinking about stopping the conversation, because of fear and he was really nice and patient. He even mentioned, kind of in a joke, about meeting and I ignored it, a few times actually, about 3 times. (As I said, I communicated him my doubts before). And I was buying a car, and he helped me with advices, and somehow after that my interested shifted. And I got interested in our talks more. So I’m not sure if I’m now noticing it, if he just took after my style, if I’m just imagining it or not.. but it seems he’s replying more rare.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned him that I do want to meet now, but then COVID wave hit. And then I mentioned again last week, and he asked to meet me this weekend or the next week. When the rain stops, it’s rainy now, and only the terraces of places are open. He still chats, we write long messages and he does ask me a lot of questions. And I’m aware we might or might not like each other when we meet. But I’m scared a bit. I guess that’s normal. I guess any input would be welcome.
April 30, 2021 at 7:21 am #378972DannyParticipant@Rhaenys you can only help as much as you can, I appreciate the efforts. Thank you for your input and advice.
Sammy is away for the weekend, that’s why I didn’t @ her because I want her to not worry or feel compelled to reply because she is very giving in nature too.
My head is a mess but it’s easier to give objective advice to someone else. Hopefully @Jay2023 can offer some assistance too. The man you are with appears to be a “talking stage” if you want to turn this into a relationship you need to see each other ASAP. The longer you leave it the higher the expectation and you might end up disappointed if you don’t have the chemistry in person. It will naturally feel like a waste of time. So always try not to prolong the first date or interaction to avoid becoming invested in potential. If after the first date you are both interested then let it grow and start investing. Us men are very physical beings we often need to see our partner to feel fulfilled in a relationship, with maturity we learn to be patient with things like sex if the bond and chemistry is strong, as long as we continue to get quality time and companionship, enjoying each others company with cuddles can be enough but without this it is hard to sustain a relationship for men in particular so naturally they will get bored or start to lose interest if its just endless talking. I would encourage you to meet him so you can determine if you match up in person and don’t run the risk of becoming attached to potential over text. I hope that helps.
April 30, 2021 at 10:53 am #378980DannyParticipant@Jay2023 bro if you have any time. I just needed an opinion , shall I send this over the weekend?
Just a reminder I am in love with the most kindest, beautiful and intelligent woman. I think you know her, you see her in the mirror every day, can you please take care of the woman I love and let her know I’m willing to wait for as long as it takes for her to come home.
April 30, 2021 at 10:59 am #378981JayParticipantEvening Danny, touched you would ask me mate, me personally I would just say along the lines of: I know what has happened has affected you but I am truly sorry, I love and care for you more than anything but am giving you space, I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and want to resolve things when you are ready to do so.
Not sure if that’s right but that’s what I would send, you said yourself it’s better to explore deeper face to face but the txt is just to shoe your thinking of her and respecting her space the same time.
April 30, 2021 at 11:16 am #378982DannyParticipant@Jay2023 thank so much bro for getting back to me. Its been a rough day. Of course I’d ask you mate your advice has been on par with Sammy’s and you’re a male! Much better at dealing with conflict than me. I am very grateful that you took time to respond. These last few days have been overwhelming and I’ve appreciated the support.
Your message sounds less cheesy and to the point than mine. So might just borrow it. Thanks bro. How are you doing? Is everything okay for yourself?
April 30, 2021 at 11:29 am #378983JayParticipantMate I’m really feel for you at the moment because I know how horrible it is to feel like that, like everyone else I’m rooting for a positive outcome but confident everything will be OK.
Myself, I’ve been up and down again but I just in transition of moving onto a new phase, it’s tough don’t get me wrong but I’m confident in myself that I’m doing all the right things to progress, it may be a while before I’m in a place where I’m content but it’s where I am and I’m doing the best I can. It feels good to give back personally to yourself although I know it’s not in the best of circumstances.
Rhaenys you posted earlier with your own thoughts and all I would say is: don’t overthink too much, you’ve been speaking to this person for a while and it feels comfortable and has made you feel good so there’s no harm in exploring what could be by meeting face to face, just have no expectation and let things run naturally without any pressure and I’m sure you will be happy with the outcome, it doesn’t have to be a romantic result if it’s not meant to be but you should definitely give it a chance without feeling any anxiety.
April 30, 2021 at 11:44 am #378986DannyParticipantReally appreciate the positive vibes bro. Fingers crossed it all works out in the end. We have come so far to sink now.
What phase do you feel you’re entering? You know bro you have grit and focus and I think that will propel you forward. Don’t be too harsh on yourself especially if you feel like things are not moving. We have to learn to just sit with the uncomfortable feelings sometimes and hope when they pass we will rise as stronger and better human beings. You’re a top lad mate to give your time and like you I found it helped , it felt good to help others even when I was crumbling myself at times. It’s almost like listening or advising gives your life purpose and value. It’s just a shame we never follow our own advice ahaha!
Do you feel you’re in a place like Rhaenys to make connections , find company and just build friendship if it leads somewhere thats a bonus or is dealing with the emotions from ex still too raw and you don’t have the capacity?
April 30, 2021 at 12:05 pm #378987JayParticipantIt is comforting mate, this thread was what I never had before when I went through all the same crap and felt terrible, it has been a godsend to have people I don’t even know to show so much compassion. We are all good people who have gone through a hard time and give it each other the time to help thorugh difficult situations which in itself is such a nice thing.
Myself I know in my heart it’s been over for a long time and was never right but I still even to do this day long and miss for that person for whatever reason it may be, my low esteem and the unknown or I generally loved the girl, even after this time I can’t stop thinking about her and what could of been but I’m being real with myself and know I need a lot more than what I got from it and journeying a new path to hopefully greater good.
I’m very open to making casual connections that aren’t physical, that’s all I want at the moment, I’m not a typical male who wants to just sleep with women, yes I enjoyed the physical connection with my ex but I miss the daily messaging and calls more than anything. I know something will happen when not expected, I’m not chasing I’m content in my routine and I want to explore my own personal issues with therapy as well to understand myself more because if I’m honest like Sammy said I do feel lost but I do know I have a lot of good to give and I never used to feel that way.
For me at the moment it is just going day by day and not forcing anything.
- This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by Jay.
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