How much space is enough/too much?
I need some advice. Please do not give the standard "Move On" advice.
My GF broke up with me last Tuesday and I want to recover the relationship.
We broke up the Tuesday before that. The reason she stated was that she didn't have the feelings that she thought she should. The week before that I told her that I loved her and I think I spooked her. She became distant after that and then she broke up with me.
Here are some other details that I feel are important to the situation;
We had being going out for 6 1/2 months.
She initiated daily contact throughout the Relationship
She was always cuddly and affectionate
We had a very good physical relationship
3-4 weeks before the break up she went on vacation with her mother and father but called me daily. When she returned, she brought me back an expensive & thoughtful gift for my B-Day.
She also encouraged her kids to be close to me. She had them make me B-day cards. (She is very good mother and would not do this if she was having doubts.) She would also suggest to them that they give me hugs. She could also see that one of her kids was getting close to me and made no effort to stop that. She would say things to her like "are you with your (my name)"
In the weeks before the break up she has been very stressed by work. She was complaining on a daily basis that she was stressed, missing deadlines and exhausted.
A couple of days after I told her that I loved her she said she was feeling overwhelmed.
The day after that I was with her and her kids and she had to prepare for the next day so I suggested I leave with my kids. She said I shouldn't leave. I should let the kids play and I should keep her company while she got ready. If she was having doubts would she not have agreed that I should leave?
During the break up conversation, she said that she felt like she was being pulled in a million directions and had everyday planned out and had no time to be by herself. She also said a few times that she wasn't sure. She also said that she felt like she was going to be sick. She went on to say that she didn't understand it because I did everything that she likes and everything right. (her words)
I think there is more here than what she is saying. I think her actions are speaking louder than her words. I have a feeling that I spooked her by telling her that I love her. I also think that she is very stressed out.
However, I'm not sure what to do next. I really like her and I don't want to make the mistakes I have made in the past. At this point I have not spoken to her since the breakup. I have gone no contact with her and I am trying to give her some space. (It's hard to do) My question is how long should I do that for? I've done some searching on the internet and everything seems to be about getting back together after a big fight. I don't think that information applies. It's not like I can say sorry for saying I Love You.
Some suggestions would be helpful please. (As I said before, I'm not looking for give up and move on)