Home→Forums→Relationships→Trying to deal with anxiety and loss after relationship break up
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March 17, 2020 at 2:46 am #343744Adelaide1Participant
@genie, sorry at the time I posted you hadn’t yet but my post required approval, I guess because I posted a link. I am beyond thrilled to hear about your chat with Jay going so well! Like Shelby said you absolutely deserve this, and I am so proud of you for taking such a considered approach even when all your instincts are telling you otherwise, and even when you know there are risks! That is truly triumphing over anxiety. And undoubtedly there will be times you feel gripped by it again but the important thing is that you can rely on yourself to get through and let it pass. Amazing!!
I agree that this thread has helped me through some extremely low days, and I have endless gratitude towards you all in taking the time to give me reassurance, encouragement and honest advice. I would be in a very different, much less strong place without it I feel.
@Michelle it is so nice to hear from you! Glad you are safe. Fingers crossed things remain under control and you are able to get out! Thanks so much for valuing my contributions. You’re right, ignorance truly is bliss… but then I guess as the saying goes knowledge is power! And yup, the people pleasing is such a hard habit to break and there are a plethora of logical reasons why, as a disabled woman, I have developed it – so I don’t begrudge myself for it but like you say, about taking the opportunity to recognise it and react differently. Thanks for your reassurance about reaching out to my ex. She replied and thanked me for being so lovely. And my poor heart for a moment divulged in a fantasy about getting back together, but the difference from a few months ago is that I can much more easily correct that thinking with a dose of reality. And the reality is that neither of us would be able to meet each other’s physical, emotional, and communication needs- I mean god, that was hard enough when we weren’t in the middle of a global pandemic with her respective health needs and my accessibility ones! So yes while I still care for her a lot, the fantasy of her being the person for me is over and that feels good tbh.I’m also currently coaching a friend through a breakup and it feels really gratifying having all these lessons to pass on. He’s currently trying the “I’ll just try keep in casual contact, I can’t do no contact” approach which I remember extremely well. But people have to figure this stuff out in their own time. You definitely all helped me with that too.
The world is certainly a scary place to be at the moment. Unlike a lot of countries we don’t have community spread here yet and the govt has taken extreme border measures early. But only a matter of time it seems. Feeling thankful for how adaptable being disabled has made me – I am used to living with extreme uncertainty, having to change plans and make peace with having restricted access to things all the time – but also acutely aware of my and many friends’ vulnerabilities as a result. Very sensible to avoid the news and just take things one day at a time.
Shelby, so impressed with the reaction to your ex’s text!! You have come a hugely long way. Really!
Sending love and calming vibes to all. xox
- This reply was modified 4 years, 9 months ago by Adelaide1.
March 17, 2020 at 6:08 am #343754GenieParticipant@adelaide thank you chick. I’m glad I didn’t let my anxiety choke me and ignore the deeper stuff we needed to discuss before we could move forward. It could have gone either way but I had the courage to confront it and resolve it like an adult. I feel so proud of how I’m tackling my anxiety even if it’s a long journey like yourself I have a dose of reality and feel better about things.
Well done chick for reaching out to your ex and caring but putting yourself first too and not getting sucked in. It shows your strength and character and how much love you have to be able to reach out and show you care but still love yourself enough to know you have let go and will move on to better love ahead. I’m also proud of you! This is a huge step.
The same goes for you @shelbyville to be able to not get obsessed with your exes text is a huge step forward. Reaching out theres no harm but having the power and mindset to say it’s over and carry on is a big step. I feel we all are actually moving towards loving ourselves more and having the balance to still Express our care. I would reach out to my ex because with the pandemic I would want him to know I still care for him and his family. For my own sake, I had begged him to block me on everything which he respected at least. Maybe I’ll reach out to a mutual friend. I like to think that as humans it’s time to be extra awarel of what we do for others as it’s times like this you realise who is real and who is not.
Ii think 2020 has been a scary year but look where we are guys..I’m starting a journey on a new love, @adelaide and @shelbyville I really believe you have taken a huge step in self loving and let going. I can’t wait to hear about your happier connections and new found loves xxx
March 19, 2020 at 12:11 pm #344168GenieParticipantSo anxiety has reared its ugly head real bad. London is going to go on lockdown where my family is and I’m scared. I’m scared as I’m alone here and have a runny nose and can’t be with the rest of my family due to the severe risk to my sister! I contacted Jay to tell him I’m lonely but he has no choice but to stay with his parents so I’m trying not to be selfish but the irrational part of me is feeling abandoned.
On top of that my ex can you believe it my ex after over a year He contacted me..asking about my sister and saying take measures and care. What is he playing at? Looking for someone to quarantine with? My head is now analysing this and my chest is tight! Help make sense please?!
March 20, 2020 at 1:51 am #344310Adelaide1ParticipantHey Genie, hope you are feeling a bit less anxious now!
It is certainly a bewildering and extremely anxiety provoking time. Be kind to yourself – there is so much going on it’s natural to be struggling a bit.
I don’t know your ex’s motives obviously but given the unprecedented scale of things could it be that he is just genuinely checking in on you? As Shelby’s ex has, and mine. I would just thank him and wish him well but not engage further.
It’s easy to feel lonely when making connections with people is harder than usual, and given all that is happening it is unprecedentedly hard. Can you FaceTime some friends perhaps? It is natural to want to reach out to Jay given your strong feelings for him; I guess I’d just advise that you sit with your anxiety first and wait til it lessens a bit before doing so too much, else you may inadvertently undo your hard work and overanalyse and react, as our poor brains are so prone to doing.
I for one would be happy to connect off the forum if helpful – I guess by email in the first instance? As I’ve said before always happy to lend an ear especially in these troubling times!
Hope you are all taking care as much as possible. Thinking of you all!
March 20, 2020 at 3:18 am #344320MichelleParticipantHey all.
Well, fun and games here in Vietnam still, all a bit crazy as you can imagine 🙂 Several flight cancellations and a lot of time spent figuring out a way home that wouldn’t trigger a mandatory 14 day quarantine! But hopefully will be arriving back in the UK on Tuesday morning.
@ Genie. You said before you appreciated people being honest with you. I’m with Adelaide on this one. Your ex is contacting you purely because you have a long history together and he knows you have a higher at risk than most sister that you will be concerned about. It is not a sign he wants to quarantine with you or to get back together in anyway, simply a normal human reaction to make sure someone he knows is doing ok in these crazy days. Re Jay, I’m still with the wise Adelaide here too. Whilst you are so worried and anxious, your chances of reacting badly with him are sky rocket high. Put it all here. He has not abandoned you and it is not his job to look after you. This is your chance to show him how you can conquer your anxiety and be supportive, not draining and something else he has to worry about. Yes, it’s tough and scary on everyone as it’s all changing so rapidly. Honestly, the more you read about it, the more anxious you will get. Trust me, you guys know I’m pretty level-headed and have a good risk attitude but even I’m having to limit checking my flights still exist to once a day! It’s really really easy to get caught up in the media. A runny nose is not a symptom of anything but a normal cold or an allergy. Not C-virus. Try as best as you can to stick to the facts of what’s known, manage what risks you can do something about – i.e. staying away from your sister and staying as healthy as you can. We are never in control and that’s what is scaring most people as this situation exposes that so bluntly. It will pass but it will take some time.
Hope it helps – take care all eh.
March 20, 2020 at 4:24 pm #344416GenieParticipant@adelaide and @michelle I do appreciate a dose of reality and truth.
While panicking I didn’t explain properly but my ex actually said in the text would you like me to come over. Which was why I was shocked at what he expected. I know what he’s like in the past because of the physical connection we had, he would send out these feeler texts during our break ups after months of no contact because he knew I still had hope of me and him being together and I’d give in and reply. But we would always end up back to square 1 – breaking up because of the same issues.
Anyway I really appreciate your advice on not being a drain on Jay. I’m really trying but he is great he even rang me to see if I wanted to spend time with his parents and him. He’s a gem. My anxiety worsened at the idea though as I’m ready for meet the parents as my brain will get ahead of itself. My anxiety is not coming from him or my ex. It’s coming from fear surrounding the coronavirus, I know the runny nose is not a symptom but it means I have to stay away for my sisters sake as she is very prone to any infection. I really am trying to be better. My friends have come around tonight. I just want to see my family it’s what I need right now and it’s scary to think how long we will be on lockdown for.
Thank you @adelaide for offering but I like the anonymity of forums. It’s easier to talk to the forum as a stranger. That was a very very kind gesture and a testament to what a wonderful person you are.
@Michelle I hope you have an easy return to home. Keep yourself safe and thank you for replying.I’m trying to be better, I really am. I’m sorry for my rants.
March 20, 2020 at 7:55 pm #344426MichelleParticipantHey Genie. First up, don’t ever apologise for your rants – that’s exactly what this forum is here for – a safe place to dump out everything that’s worrying you. I also think it’s just useful to get a different perspective on it, especially when you know you are prone to anxiety. Some people would have got angry or defensive at my response so kudos to you for understanding how it was meant – see, you are tougher than you know and think 😉
Yeah, your ex may well likely be sniffing around to see what’s possible, after all, that was your pattern. But what’s really important here is that you have changed. You know he’s no good for you and the relationship isn’t going to give you what you want long-term. You are starting to investigate truly what’s possible with Jay. I suspect your ex will be surprised when you (hopefully!) turn down any ‘kind’ offers of another short-term buzz of your physical connection and some company – you already know how that will play out and I hope you choose better for yourself 🙂
Re Jay and the parents, clearly your decision as always but perhaps try and think it through without letting fear win and drive your anxieties. It’s not that long ago you were writing on here about falling in love with him and wanting to try a relationship with him. Meeting the parents simply means as much or as little as you and Jay want it to mean. It would be a good way of showing him you are trying to be closer, which is what you do want? Otherwise can I suggest you explain it well to him just so he understands and doesn’t feel like it’s you pushing him away again, simply because of your fear.
Take care all.
PS Flights still on as of now & I only checked twice yesterday, see, we’re all very human 😉
March 21, 2020 at 3:50 am #344446Adelaide1ParticipantI agree with Michelle, Genie. No need to be sorry for ranting… best here than directed at the people we are anxious about. And no worries, I understand the anonymity factor.
Sounds like you are recognising the patterns with your ex very well. I believe that you have the fortitude to act accordingly! You have come so far and seem to have a great thing going with Jay. I agree with Michelle about meeting his parents only meaning as much as you want it to mean. I can fully understand why you would feel anxious about it though. I’m glad to read your friends were able to come over and I really hope your sister stays well. It’s so hard not being able to see family – my siblings are in another country and the borders are closed and my parents live I another city here, but both have potential vulnerabilities and should stay home; I’m not particularly close to my family but it’s still definitely worrying.
Hope you are on track to get home still Michelle! I can imagine traveling in this time is certainly interesting.
As for me… was feeling crap this time yesterday cos I reached out to my flirtatious acquaintance seeking a conversation and didn’t get the response I wanted (very surface level). So that I just felt stupid that I went there again. But, as always it was anxiety driven rather than an authentic action. I really need to just learn to sit with the anxiety in times like that and not let it drive who I interact with or how but… still learning.
Also had a few messages with my ex because the Covid 19 situation has escalated here and official govt advice is for people with immunodeficiencies to stay at home so I was worried about her of course especially as her job is one that she can’t work from home from. But they are still going to pay her it looks like – thankfully. Anyway, have tried to express concern without it turning into something more. I think I am keeping good boundaries… like Shelby a few posts ago it all seems very cordial and like we are acquaintances more than anything which hurts a bit. In reality I am thankful we are not together anymore. The logistics and mismatch in communication styles would be pure hell. We would not see each other for months probably, and I would be constantly worried about her and she would get annoyed at me for wanting to check in with her. We had a trial run of this from very early on because she got ill so much she wouldn’t be able to leave the house for days at a time and would have to cancel dates multiple times. It was very stressful and tbh not fulfilling at all. So… all lessons learned, huh! At least she is well practised in self isolating…
Will not really be leaving the house much myself in the foreseeable future; been directed to work from home and avoid public transport and I can’t drive. I still feel more privileged than many though; have had multiple offers of support from all kinds of people. I do need to find more constructive things to do with my time though – apart from talking to friends on the phone which has been lovely I’ve spent most of the time scrolling through social media which is very unhelpful. I will work out a routine for the weeks to come – tips welcome!
March 22, 2020 at 7:15 am #344578GenieParticipantHi everybody,
Firstly @Michelle you have a wealth of experience and are straight to the point and right. It would be stupid of me to ignore your advice and go on the defensive. It will only cause me to go backwards and I really don’t want that for myself anymore.
Ii have made another step in progress , I was strong and when the opportunity rose I did turn down his “help”. For once he may be feeling what I felt after each break up or surprised at least like you said. You are right I’ve recognised even though I loved him he couldn’t meet my needs. If we went back there again, it would only be a matter of time before we had the same commitment issues and me bending over backwards for him and not have my needs met. I don’t want to ever go back to those dark feelings after each breakup for a short buzz even if that physical aspect has always been tempting. It’s done and over. I can’t help but carry a bit of love for him but I know he isn’t healthy for me now. I think even if Jay wasn’t around I’d decide the same so I’m really feeling this has been a big change in me.
Meeting the parents for me has always been a big step. What worries me is that I don’t feel I’m at my best and don’t want any anxiety to ruin it for me. I’m glad you mentioned to convey it to Jay. Because in my fear and anxious moment I didn’t even think to see what impact it would have on him. This is where I feel I I don’t deserve him, I can be so selfish which was never me before. I really need to work on that. Jay was understanding as ever. I actually sent him something to make him feel appreciated after you mentioned that.
I didn’t think I’d find love again, I didn’t even realise it was there. But this is a different kind not the rush of excited highs with my ex. It’s a steady warmth, calming encompassing one that makes me feel like I can finally be the unmasked version of myself, I feel seen and understood. It’s incredible. He really taught me to have more self worth. It’s amazing when someone shows you real love. I would be a fool to mess this up so I need to take it slow and not get ahead of myself. It’s hard to explain. I really want the whole thing but once I have it I’m scared I guess of it heading the same way as my relationship with my ex or me messing it up due to the scars from that relationship. But at the same time Jay is x10 the man in terms of meeting my needs so I need to have more faith.
@michelle I hope you got your flight safely home. Fingers crossed.
@adelaide as you mentioned you and @shelbyville got a text from ex too. You too made the hard but right decision to understand it’s very easy in times like this to go back to what you knew and were comfortable with. However we do deserve better for ourselves. You will find someone who you connect with and can totally be yourself, needy in the ways you want and met half way to have a much healthier relationship. I really hope you get to experience that as that feeling of finally being seen for who you are is amazing. It will make you realise what true love is bringing out the best version of each other and working hard equally hard together to make it work.Dont be hard on yourself about your interactions with your acquaintance. But it’s not worth it chick. Few post ago I mentioned I was in that mindset when I left my ex but those superficial level connections give you short term ego boost but long term damage your self esteem. Does this person even care for who you really are? No, so don’t put your thoughts into this person.
You can learn new skills, online courses. Puzzles, learn new cooking recipes,watch Netflix, clean my place is sparkly now for once.
I hope you all stay safe and healthy. I hope our families and loved ones are safe too. We should aim to make it out the other side as better people and it really is a time when you realise the good people in your life. So hold onto.them. love you all chicks. Xxx
March 26, 2020 at 10:22 am #345480SammyParticipantNeed help please…..this page called out to me most. You all seem to be very helpful to each other.
I was in a long term relationship and 3 days before lockdown he ended it making it clear it was final.
In all the years he had failed to communicate properly but somehow found the words for this. We were different people and he had just recognised it. Duh! Of course we are different no two humans are the same.
He said the fact we had split up so many times over the course of 4 years he knew something was not right and the world situation had made him wake up and smell the coffee. Our relationship was not healthy and he was doing this for both our happiness in the long run. How could he believe leaving me would make me happy knowing I poured my soul into keeping him happy. Was my everything not enough to make him happy. How?
All our break ups were usually always his choice, I always lived with the thought that he would break up again but we always managed to patch things up and the the time together without discussing the issues was great. My life has revolved around him for 4 years..how can he walk away so easily?
I had lately been less anxious and enjoying our relationship without that thought. I actually thought when he made dinner and sat me down he was going to propose or make a grand gesture. We were going to move to the next step and get engaged, look for a house together it seemed right after such a long time. I thought we’d agreed after getting back together the last time but then he has gone and blind sided me.
Left me alone in my flat, took all his stuff and now is unreachable.
I immediately called my friend for support, she has always been there, perhaps I’m just very sensitive but she was abrupt.
She said look at you Sammy girl..I had developed a co-dependency and had an unhealthy attachment which I thought was love. Really it was fear of moving on after all the energy invested into him.
He doesnt want you where is your love for yourself? Don’t you know you deserve more? She rattled on that relationships were hard they require work communication but we had broke up 4 times in 4 years always the same reason issue behind it. She even went as far as saying he was right even though a prick for stringing me along for 4 years knowing us twos love language, desires needs, style of communication were completely different. It was time to move on. Stop holding on because I was scared of not finding love elsewhere.
I was so devastated wanted comfort but her words stung and I just cut the phone and hit the bottle.
I had been drinking non stop for 2 days to numb me but was violently sick earlier and knew I needed to stop.
Now the anxiety of the whole situation is suffocating me.
How can the people we love do this to us? I gave us 6 months apart before he came back the last time we agreed things would change. Will he change his mind again maybe he is just worried by the situation of the world? Why can’t he see how much I love him?
Now I’m just crying and sobbing and losing the will to live. This pain I don’t want I just want this all to go away. I wouldn’t mind the world ending right now.
Everything hurts
March 26, 2020 at 1:55 pm #345588GenieParticipantHi @Sammy,
@shelbyville has created a great space for us all to rant and work through our issues . I know I’m grateful for the wonderful chicks on here.I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through heartache from your break up. Anxiety is a bitch. No one understands until they have experienced it. I’ve had it in varying forms all my life but with coping techniques and support I find it can be tamed. So firstly you need to breath. INHALE. EXHALE. It will go away. I’ve found doing mindfulness and the calm app lately has helped greatly.
I know you probably deep down know the answer but don’t want to come to that realisation but my advice is always straight up. What you choose to do is your choice though at the end of the day.
I know right now you want to hear everything will be ok and your ex will see sense and the fact you were together for 4 years means the love is strong and you will make your way back to each other. But the reality is it is over, it was over the moment he repeated the same actions without really implementing any change. It is over for a reason. I’m not denying you love him, but the sooner you recognise that you deserved that same pouring of love in return, your perspective will change.
This comes from loving yourself and having good self worth. The reason why most of us on here find the heartbreak so intense and letting go hard is rooted in our own insecurities.
Our own lack of worth, our own battles with the mind that we will never find someone again so we put this person on a undeserving pedestal and berate ourselves. If you have read the thread then you’ll see my journey and the reality is even if you make your way back for the 5th time it will end the same if you have different wants, needs and communication styles. Your friend is correct, all relationships have issues. It requires work. The ones that work though are when you have two people who are willing to communicate and put in an equal amount. The foundations of a relationship needs to be based on strong communication without that it simply will not work during the rough patches. If the same problem arises due to avoidance by one party, it is clearly toxic and that’s when one person pours way more of themselves into a relationship like you have like I did resulting in you losing who you are and your identity. I did it for 5 years we were on and off again and it almost broke me.
I too felt why was I not enough? Instead I should have been telling myself if after I have accepted this man for all that he is and he can’t love me back the same way then he does not deserve my love.
Do you want to get back together and get engaged or married only for him to decide he wants out again as he hasn’t grown or changed when you have returned back to each other? Do you want to live with that kind of thought at the back of your mind..it will lead to much bigger issues.
It will not seem like it now but he is doing you a favour. You DESERVE more.
It is hard to believe but let me be your hope. In December last year I thought I wanted to kill myself as I thought I would never find love again like I had with my ex, the thoughts were dark, I was exhausted I felt like no one would match him. I had started sleeping with random men to fill a void to get over him. Then I met an angel, my Jay. If you read the thread you’ll see how I self sabotaged and almost ruined something so good for myself. Now by taking it steady, love started to grow for me again. All I can say is he has changed the way I view love. He is real love defined. The love you deserve is waiting for you.That journey starts with recognising you do deserve better and someone who loves all of you for who you are.
Use this lockdown to work on yourself. Cry, get angry, feel those emotions but keep reaffirming you deserve more. Don’t beg for love off someone who can’t see your value because if he did value you, the same problems would not exist. He would have done everything in his power to prove it to you. Love yourself first.
Self worth is the hardest thing to do but once you have it you’ll find acceptance easier and let go.
I’m sorry if it’s not what you wanted to hear. You can choose to take the long road and hold onto hope of a reunion but be wary the outcome will be the same. Save yourself pain again and again, feel the sadness and block him and remove him permanently from your life, begin to heal. With time you’ll unblock him again accept you’ll always care and love him in a way but when he reaches out..because let me tell you he will, you’ll be where I am today..ready to reject that and focus on you or being in a new fulfilling relationship with someone who accepts and values all of you. Sending love xxx
March 26, 2020 at 2:44 pm #345604ShelbyvilleParticipantHi all,
What a time we are living through right now eh?! It’s like the world has been tilted off its axis. What has been familiar, what has been ‘in order’, what we believed we could control, is now all in pieces. Anxiety collectively is at an all time high. My empathetic nature has left me susceptible to the collective anxiety so I felt it prudent to make my world a little more micro to try and manage what I can and just control what is within my control, which is very little at the moment.
My sister gave me a spare thermometer last weekend (secured through social distancing etiquette), and on Monday I felt a little flushed and checked and had a temperature. Since then I have felt fine, but the thermometer still indicates I have a temperature, even though I don’t feel as though I do. To be honest, we’re not convinced the thermometer is accurate, but given the times we’re in, I can’t afford to take chances. Not with my Dad and brother who have compromised immune systems. So while the social distancing measures were strict enough, the self isolation in my bedroom measures are way worse! So be grateful for small blessings like still being able to use your kitchen! I’m awaiting a test, but honestly, I’m pretty sure it will be negative, however the consequences of me being wrong are too grave, so I’m doing what I can to protect those I love.
I’m actually coping okay now…not so much earlier in the week. My anxiety was wringing me out. I felt my new male friend was not there for me as much as I’d like and I guess I was hurt and disappointed. I suppose I wanted from him what my ex used to give me in times of crisis and anxiety…. a safe place, assurance etc. I have to try and recognise that my friend does not fill that role, he is just a friend, like my other friends, so I put too much weight on his shoulders to make me feel better and when he doesn’t do that, I get hurt and anxious. Still all the work I have to do on my self. Sometimes I wonder have I grown anything at all over the years I’ve been going to therapy and lessons I’m supposed to have learned from the relationship which was the reason I started this thread.
My ex met me last week. For ten minutes. It was the first time we had seen each other since the final breakup. He contacted me as he had some resources to deal with the c-virus crisis that it was impossible to get hold of myself and he knew I was extremely anxious about securing some stuff, as he knows about my brother and Dad. He met me to give me some supplies, which I was extremely grateful for. He transferred them to my car and we both stayed at a distance and only spoke for 10 mins specifically and only about the crisis. He asked me how my brother was doing and then we departed. I haven’t heard from him since. He’s not the booty call type. He has never contacted me any time we have broken up to try and hook up or anything like that. He was being a decent person and helping out and I wanted the help and I hate that I had to get those supplies through him.
It was cordial and polite and I’m sure whatever unease he has had for the past 10months since our breakup has been eased somewhat now that he thinks we are not mortal enemies and I’m all good with everything. I think that hurts because I feel like he feels like things are okay now between us and it’s in the past and we can all move on. But I haven’t moved on. It still hurts. I still miss him. And now it hurts more because I feel like I’ve passed him the key to the bridge which has helped him move on. Ugh, everything is just a lot at the moment.
Genie, I really can’t add much more than what Michelle has said. You seem to recognise what direction you want to take with Jay to make it work the best possible way it can and the fact that you are able to vent on her now before getting anxious and doing something you regret in terms of your relationship with Jay is great development. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you two!
Michelle,
I do hope you’re safe back home and adjusting to life after your travels and the endurance test of waiting for flights.
@kkasxo, this has got to be an incredibly anxious time for you with everything that’s going on and what you’re also trying to deal with. Let us know how you’re doing.Sammy,
I know exactly how you feel right about now. Everything hurts. Existing hurts. I know. There is no magic cure. It’s gonna feel that way for a while. Questions will flood your mind, your brain will desperately seek answers, some sort of reasoning or logic, however that’s nigh on impossible to extract when in a state of severe anxiety and loss.
I think there are some attachment issues, as there were for me. But they can be figured out in time. The thing about loving someone with everything you have…we feel it’s an automatic quid pro quo that they must reciprocate it back…..it’s the least they can do, for all we have given. Life doesn’t work that way though I’m afraid. Yes you gave him your all, but that doesn’t mean it was exactly what he wanted or needed. Everyone in life has different needs and wants, it’s not that he wants someone better, he may be happy with someone who would give much less than you. But the point is, it’s not you for him. That’s okay. It’s so so painful, it hurts, you WANT to be it for him, but nothing in this world can make another person love us. We can’t MAKE another person do anything, just because WE want it sooooo bad. I’m not saying this to be hurtful, because i promise you, I honestly know exactly how you feel, as you can read above, I’m not exactly on a pedestal of self love and acceptance. But what you need to do right now is just survive. Just for now. Just survive. I would stop drinking….honestly it helps no-one. Literally no-one, it will only make you feel worse and you will avoid getting sober then cos dealing with a hangover on top of heartbreak is like a fate worse than death. So ditch the booze would be my advice and just try and survive each hour until a day is done. The try and make it to the weekend. and so on. I do promise you though that this pain WONT last. I absolutely promise you that. It’ll be with you for a bit, it’s the initial stages, but it eases off. So remember in your worst moments….this too shall pass.
Take care all.
March 26, 2020 at 3:17 pm #345614GenieParticipant@shelbyville maybe your using the thermometer in the wrong 0place? Each one is calibrated for a certain area armpit etc. Hopefully it’s nothing serious. It is why I chose to stay here and not even risk my sisters health in the slightest. The anxiety of that would kill me.
I’m really really surprised to hear your friend hasn’t been there for you after the way you have talked about in the past. It makes me think are you expecting more like I did from someone who you didn’t give in return to. Is it like Jay and I where I took granted? Even though he is amazingly generous you know how he felt. It’s strange how your relationship with your friend reminds me of the beginning stages of mine. Maybe your friend is troubled too..have you reached out to him? Rather than expecting him to reach out to you.
Your ex doesn’t seem like he was after a booty call like mine but everyone’s exes are crawling out the woodwork and when this is all over it will be interesting to see how many stick around when they are not lonely anymore.
That was a very nice human thing to do by giving you supplies. I worry you don’t recognise your ex most likely moved on long ago. I know it must hurt as you probably anticipated maybe more will come from your encounter but you need to start loving yourself shelby you are awesome. Don’t hold yourself back anymore like I said to @sammy you deserve more. Way more! No one can change your mindset other than you. X
March 26, 2020 at 4:53 pm #345632GenieParticipantI got called away before . @Michelle did you get back?
@adelaide are you ok, haven’t heard from you…
@kkasxo you were always so kind to me letting me rant on yours and @shelbyville thread I don’t know your full story but I hope are ok in this crisis.Humans need to pull together. I like this thread it eases my worries so please keep posting even if you have no worries xxx
March 26, 2020 at 10:05 pm #345674Adelaide1ParticipantHey all
I have been thinking of you all as we navigate these unprecedented times. I’m glad to see you check in @genie and @shelbyville and wish we could meet under better circumstances @sammy! You poor thing. Shelby and Genie have given great advice. And yes the people here are incredibly helpful and lovely. I hope you find some comfort in being able to share your struggles here and that things start feeling a little less intense soon.
@shelbyville what strange circumstances to be meeting with your ex eh. It’s no wonder your feelings are all over the place, especially in the scheme of everything else happening. Be kind to yourself; everything happening at the moment IS a lot! A lot is a huge understatement to be honest, given the situation with your family members too. And you are coping really well, even if it feels like you’re not. It’s totally understandable you feel hurt by your interaction and the thought that you are not in the same place as him yet- for what it’s worth, I have felt the same way with mine. Still don’t think you give yourself enough credit- it’s clear to me that you have learned plenty of lessons and that you have grown a lot. Your advice to Sammy and Genie shows that, as does the way you dealt with the interaction with your ex! Feeling you on the collective anxiety and lack of control front- it’s exhausting! But sounds like you are putting great strategies in place- again, evidence of growth! Hoping you and your family stay safe and well. They are lucky to have you!I am ok! bewildered… if I look back on the last few days, I just have to laugh because the amount going on feels surreal. The Prime Minister here escalated things at the start of the week and has placed the country into a complete lockdown for 4 weeks; no going out except for essential services. We are officially on day 2. It was announced that there would be 48 hours for people to get ready, make last minute travel plans etc.
I got a call from my parents on Monday night that my brother decided my sister, who was supposed to move in with him, couldn’t anymore because she worked in a supermarket and his girlfriend was worried about the risk of infection. Long story short I had to take control of the situation and book her a last minute flight home before the borders shut completely, which cost almost $1000. I was extremely taken aback by my brother’s response- while him and I and him and my sister are not close, I actually cannot believe he let his girlfriend talk him into hanging his younger sister out to dry in the midst of a global pandemic. I was so upset about it, for her and my family dynamics. He got word that I booked her a flight and messaged me basically justifying his decision- no appreciation of the fact that he has put our immunocompromised parents at risk now. I just have no time for his selfishness and will not be taking any steps to repair our relationship; any reparations have to come from him. Stark reminder of what ‘love’ can do to people’s brains…. In more positive news she is back and in quarantine in my parents’ house now. Who knows when I will see them but I am so glad she is back!
So there was that… and then the sister of my housemate, who I am isolating with, got tested for Covid and she was over here the other day, and my housemate herself fell ill. So we have had to take extra measures to ensure she can strictly self-isolate while waiting for her sister’s test results. They came back negative at least! Still some residual anxiety though as they are not testing people here who have not been in ‘close contact’ with a confirmed case, so my housemate won’t get tested. Rationally, it does seem like she just had a cold… so hope she continues to get better, and we continue to keep well. There is literally a house across my street with a piece of paper in the window asking people to keep their distance because there is someone in the house with it. Extremely weird times…
On top of that, have been pulled into various pandemic responses for my work – from home obviously. As Shelby says, everything is a lot at the moment!
As for my ex… have been so distracted by everything else it seems like small fry to be honest. We have had a few messages back and forth, the last of which was after the lockdown announcement telling each other to stay safe. I assume she took the opportunity to travel to her parents, but feel there’s no point in asking or checking in with her again really. I have taken the attitude that those who want me in their lives will check in with me during this period of time and will make the effort to do so. As I said to a friend, if people are not able to demonstrate their care for you to the same extent as you are them during the most significant crisis of our time, friend or otherwise, there is no way in hell that you can have a healthy relationship in normal times. While in an alternative reality my ex and I would be in love and lockdown together and I yearn for the fantasy of that somewhat, I recognise it as just that: an alternative reality. I am just so done with even seeking a response from both her and my flirty acquaintance, I just have no energy for it. I wish them both well, but want to put my energy into connections that are fulfilling and will be strengthened during this time, not connections that cause anxiety. Nothing like a global pandemic to clarify one’s priorities eh.
Anyway, have rambled more than I intended as usual. Thanks for checking in with me! Hoping we all remain safe and well; like Genie said hearing from everyone is really reassuring – so hope you are both ok Michelle and Kkasxo. xx
- This reply was modified 4 years, 9 months ago by Adelaide1.
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