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  • May 11, 2008, 06:31 AM
    bigdee
    Bigdee's story
    Threads merged into one.


    WARNING: This post discusses the hot topic of abortion. If you feel strongly against abortion then I respectfully request that you decline reading and commenting on this post. Both participants discussed in this post have what some people would consider liberal views on abortion (though we take it very seriously) and live in an area where it is completely legal.

    Hi,
    Recently I have broke up with my girlfriend of 8 months and I am still very confused as how it all went down. We first met when my ex approached me and we hit it off right away. We were serious after a month and everything was near perfect. She kept saying how happy she was in the relationship and how happy I make her throughout the entire relationship. I did my best for her, supporting in any way I could. She moved ahead quickly and in fact the only issues that arose between us was when she perceived that I didn't take the relationship as seriously as she did. It got to the point where we were discussing marriage, our thoughts on kids, meeting each other's parents, and even house shopping together. Even I was amazed at the pace but I also started to believe this was "the one", never was I more comfortable with someone. And she kept saying how happy she was and how well I treated her and that she loved me... even on the last day I saw her. But there was a trigger that caused everything to tumble down. We had a "scare"... her period was late. She thought she was pregnant and we were both scared, but we were determined to stick together. Next she called and we talked about what to do and she said that she wanted to get an abortion (please I know this issue is a sensitive topic to many so if you have strong political issues against, please I'd like to not get in such a debate). I said I would support her decision on anything she wanted to do. She also told me that she needed time to reflect on things and needed to keep her distance from me for awhile... and that she also could not image being intimate with me for awhile because of this. I told her to take all the time she needs (though I was devastated). She was all scheduled for the procedure when she got her period and it turned out to be false alarm. We were releaved but she still said she wanted time alone to still reflect on her life. I said "sure". But I realized that included in the "time alone" request was to not consider us in a relationship. I got distraught and after a few days I confronted her via phone what is going on. She said needs more time and figure out what her heart is telling her. I told her that this state of limbo waiting to see if she gets back to me or not is torture and I told her to follow her heart and she said her heart is telling her that she should breakup with me and be single and move on. I asked why and her main response was that she thought she was in love with me because I treated her so nice but when she made the decision to not have the baby (even though it was a false alarm), it told her that she didn't love me otherwise she would have wanted to keep it. I told her that some couples make such hard choices even though they are in love for a variety of reasons. But I didn't get a response on that one. She says she is being as honest as she can be when she tells me that I did absolutely nothing wrong and I was so good to her. But now she is telling me that she is following her heart and moving on without me. She is starting a new career soon (just finishing up school) and wants to focus on that and not get wrapped up in other things (like a relationship). We are not young, we are in our 30's, I am very stable with a good job. She commented that she felt the relationship was unbalanced a bit as I supported her a bit (financially... but not too much as she was bothered by not being more self-reliant) while she was going through school but why is it an issue now when she is finishing school and starting her career? Anyway all I know is that things were rolling along perfect, just perfect, and now everything is completely derailed after a few days. I am crushed. We keep marginal contact via e-mails (she says she still loves me (just not in "that" way anymore) and probably wants to check up on me) but I'm not sure what to do anymore. I'd like to move on 'cause it sounds like she wants to, but I feel like this relationship was ended over reasons I can't full comprehend and I am thinking about fighting for it and saving this relationship if possible. Like I said I am not young and been through my share of relationships. In every one I could see where things were "wrong" even though I was hurt. In this one it was so smooth... so nice... I just don't fully understand it.

    Any insight is greatly appreciated...
  • May 11, 2008, 06:42 AM
    sully123
    I would just say move on right now, and do what's best for you. It seems like she is going to be focusing now on her career, and she doesn't want a serious relationship. End it nicely, you never know what happens someday. Good luck.
  • May 11, 2008, 07:39 AM
    talaniman
    But I realized that included in the "time alone" request was to not consider us
    Quote:

    in a relationship. I got distraught and after a few days I confronted her via phone what is going on. She said needs more time and figure out what her heart is telling her. I told her that this state of limbo waiting to see if she gets back to me or not is torture and I told her to follow her heart and she said her heart is telling her that she should breakup with me and be single and move on.
    Life has a way of getting our attention, and this whirlwind ride the two of you were on has been derailed by a good dose of reality, and she was sufficiently scared to change the course her life was going, and re evaluate where she is going. Back off, and focus on you, and leave her alone to think for herself without pressure from you. Not easy, I already know. Its so necessary, for you both.
  • May 11, 2008, 08:39 AM
    bigbird213
    I agree with the two above - you need to move on and see what happens. You can't spend your time pining for her to come back to you, watching the phone or the email inbox waiting for a message. Get happy by yourself and focus on you...

    And about the "fighting for the relationship" point you made -- keep in mind that you can fight all you want, but it takes two people to have (and save) a relationship. You'd be doomed from the start.
  • May 11, 2008, 10:27 AM
    ordinaryguy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    She says she is being as honest as she can be when she tells me that I did absolutely nothing wrong and I was so good to her. But now she is telling me that she is following her heart and moving on without me.

    Facing the reality of a lifelong connection to someone can clarify your feelings for them like a flash of lightning. I know it hurts to be told that it wasn't anything you did wrong, and there's nothing you can do to make it right. The hard truth is that it's who you ARE, not what you did or didn't do. I've been on her side of such a dilemma, and I guarantee you that it's no more fun for her than it is for you.

    Be thankful that she's being honest with you, and move on with your life. I truly feel for you, but it's not happening. The sooner you get started on the hard work of accepting that, the better for all concerned.
  • May 12, 2008, 02:11 PM
    bigdee
    Thanks so much to everyone who has replied! It really really helps. I have been clinging on to some hope that she may come back to me but I really think what everyone here is saying is makes a ton of sense. It was just so disappointing thinking you've found the "one" and so shocking since it was her who kept pushing the pace and saying I was the "one" first. I was having a hard time letting go. But your insights are helping a lot.

    She still contacts me via e-mail... very light stuff like "how was your day?" and I've been keeping my response light also with no reference at all to our past relationship. Is this recommended or should I really cut off all contact? Also the last time I saw her was when things were fine (she asked for time apart from calling from her friends place). I have been told from some friends that I should see her physically one more time for closure. Is this a bad idea? She brought up getting together just to check up on each other in a bit.
  • May 12, 2008, 02:16 PM
    bigbird213
    You don't mention how old you are, but I feel that many times when people are in their first "real" relationship, they grab on to words like "I want to be with you forever", "You are the one", etc, and they never let go. The problem with this is that its likely neither person knows enough to make these statements.

    As far as the contact goes, technically its up to you, its your life right? I can tell you that I tried to keep light contact once, and I could not do it. Each conversation, no matter what it was about, got me thinking, analyzing and searching for any sign of anything at all - VERY UNHEALTHY. Doing something and saying that your doing are two different things, and you might simply not be able to keep contact without holding onto hope. My advice - don't, but its up to you.
  • May 12, 2008, 02:39 PM
    bigdee
    Hi bigbird, I think I mentioned in my original post that we are both in our 30s. We have both been through our fair share of relationships. We both had mostly negative experiences so this is most likely contributing to our quickly thinking we are "the one" for each other. We are also near that age where we both were thinking that we are at the age where we need to "settle down" and that we are running out of "chances". So it wasn't a matter of us being young lovers experiencing our first love but maybe age and past experiences made us "want" it to work?

    By the way - I am agreeing that it is tough to be "just friends" and not getting too emotionally wrapped up in it. Sad but definitely true
  • May 12, 2008, 02:41 PM
    bigbird213
    Oops sorry, I skimmed quick before I wrote that post and didn't see it. Hope I didn't offend you.
  • May 12, 2008, 02:48 PM
    bigdee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigbird213
    Oops sorry, I skimmed quick before I wrote that post and didn't see it. Hope I didn't offend you.

    No problem! I wrote a lot so it was a lot of info to digest! I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks!
  • May 12, 2008, 03:49 PM
    ordinaryguy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    I have been told from some friends that I should see her physically one more time for closure. Is this a bad idea? She brought up getting together just to check up on each other in a bit.

    I think it is a bad idea. My guess is that she feels guilty for doing a complete 180 reversal on you and wants to reassure herself that you're going to be able to accept it without hating her. But you don't owe her anything except maybe to tell her "Don't think twice, it's alright". The less contact you have with her, the sooner you can begin to heal and move on.
  • May 13, 2008, 02:11 PM
    bigdee
    I agree that contact is not good and I will try and heed your advice, as hard as it is... thanks!
  • May 16, 2008, 08:51 AM
    emopunk7
    Im wishing you the best bigdee!! Stay strong and be the man out there!
  • May 18, 2008, 06:32 PM
    bigdee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by emopunk7
    Im wishing you the best bigdee!!! Stay strong and be the man out there!

    Thanks! I'm hanging in there the best I can
  • May 18, 2008, 06:50 PM
    bigbird213
    Keep going bud, it gets better trust me!
  • May 19, 2008, 07:53 AM
    emopunk7
    I'm glad you're still doing good!!
  • Jun 15, 2008, 09:41 PM
    bigdee
    Hello folks,
    Thought I'd give an update to what's been going on in my life. I can't believe it has only been a month since I first posted my question here... it felt like so long ago...

    In any case I'm doing OK... I actually did meet with my ex once since then. We had some logistics to take care of (return personal items we had of each other, return keys, etc) and we then sat down for a coffee talked a bit. It was OK, she explained herself a bit (of which her explanation I still didn't fully agree with), I kindly put my 2 cents in and then I wished her luck and we had a pretty amicable farewell. Since then we had some intermittent exchanges of e-mails that became less frequent. The NC time had reached a bit over 2 weeks when she sent a short SMS of nothing just a few days ago.

    Looks like we are both moving on. I've gotten on with my life and am enjoying it the best I can. Overall I feel pretty good, I have a bit of bitterness about the relationship but otherwise I'm fine. I admit I think about her everyday but as time moves on, thinking about her doesn't get me down as it used to. Occasionally I regress into bouts of sadness/anger, usually over something stupid (like just recently when I noticed she is slowly removing all traces of me by removing all photos or messages of me from her personal webspace on a social networking site - I know I shouldn't get upset at her for that but I can't help it, seems like even though she says she will always love me for how I helped her with everything, she wants to pretend like I was never there? - sorry, got off track there :-P). LOL - As I said, usually over something stupid. I guess she's moving on a lot faster than I but I guess that is always the case with the dumper vs the dumpee..

    Anyway being in past relationships, I know time heals all and it's working. It's tough but I know I'll be good in awhile.

    Just want to thank the folks here who have given advice and words of encouragement! It was and still is greatly appreciated!

    And finally... one more piece of advise is needed... as I have mentioned, my ex is starting a new career. She is finishing the program that she needed to get her new career in a few weeks. I am thinking about sending a quick text/e-mail to congratulate her. I know that is breaking NC but it seems like both she and I invested so much in this program (a lot of the time we spent together was helping her with her course work) and I know how much it means for her (especially since one of the reasons she gave for breaking up is to focus on the new career) and considering how much focus I gave it myself when we were dating, I don't know... I feel it is worth a mention...
  • Jun 16, 2008, 12:24 AM
    Chery
    She's not on another planet and knows that you helped her - she even thanked you for it. So, if it won't hurt too much or cause a 'relapse', just send her a short 'congrats' message.

    Another step to healing is having no regrets later to ponder about, so if you feel the need to congratulate her, do so.

    Keep up the good work.

    http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_11_2.gif
  • Jun 16, 2008, 04:37 AM
    talaniman
    The whole idea of healing is being able to be healthy enough to make decisions based on fact, and not just emotions. You've accepted this very well, and as long as your past resentments and anger, and have no false hope, go for it.
  • Jun 16, 2008, 05:05 AM
    smokedetector
    Honsetly, from what I read I would love to see the story end where she came around and you wound up together. It sounds like a very good relationship. As far as you fighting to keep it, you can fight all you want but in the end its her decision too. I suppose I agree that you should move on, but I would advise you to make your mind up right now on if she came back later if you would take her back. Since you are around the settling down age, she might focus on her career for a little while and then come back to you when she gets lonely. Best of luck and I hope everything works out.
  • Jun 16, 2008, 07:51 AM
    bigdee
    Chery, Tal - thanks again for the insight. I think I will send that short "Congrats" message.

    smokedetector - When we first broke up, I always had some hope that after she had a bit of time to think it over, she'd want to come back to the relationship. But as time moves on, more and more I get the sense that it is truly over. When her career gets settled (i.e. routine), I'm sure she'll want to start looking for someone again but I have a feeling that when that time comes, it won't be with me. She's a pretty girl and I'm sure she'll have someone else to catch her interest. As for would I take her back if that opportunity ever presented itself? I don't know. I'm a little bitter right now so hard to say. But I think I have an issue with trust now. All the stuff she said about our relationship turned out to be untrue. I know she wasn't lying or anything but for someone to say what she did about the relationship, saying how committed she is and asking for the same level of commitment from me, convincing me to make some long term financial decisions which I am locked into based on her and my needs... and then in 2 days decide to throw the relationship away... I don't know.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 06:51 AM
    bigdee
    "I will always love you". Is that just BS when being dumped?
    Hello folks,
    I've broken up with my girlfriend about 2 months ago. Background here:
    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/relati...me-214728.html

    In any case we've been moving on with our lives. It's hard of course but I think I'm doing rather well. However I am irked by one thing. When dumping me, she has told me that she "loves me" and will "always love me and appreciate what I've done for her" and thinks I was "amazing to her". OK, that's good. However what irks me is that she seems to be removing all (public) remembrance of me. Basically removing any pictures she has posted of me. Removing any comments by me or about me on her social networking site. Pretty much anything related to me publicly anywhere. She has slowly done this over the 2 months. She first removed the photos/comments which explicitly look like where we are a couple (us hugging, etc) which I totally understand. But recently, she has removed more benign photos of me (me just standing there or me hanging out with her friends). Even comments like "hey, what's up" have been removed. It appears she wants to remove all traces of me. It bugs me because I look back on the relationship and look positively on it and still look somewhat positively at her and hope for the best for her. I even still help her out a bit here and there (I don't need to contact her to do this and she knows I do this and says she appreciates it so much and will try to repay me someday). Now for someone who says she still loves me (as a friend), thinks I'm great, etc... it seems weird that she seems to not want to have anything to do with me. Maybe what she told me is a bunch of BS? Which is making me think that I am being stupid for still thinking positively about her and still helping her out and wishing the best for her. We keep minimal contact (mostly she has sent the occasional short text or e-mail to see how I'm doing and I will respond) so it's not like I pester her. I'm actively looking to move on (date others, etc). It's just that if she truly wanted to be friends like she was looking for in the beginning, it seems strange to not want to do anything with me. Am I looking too positively on her and all that "I will always love you" comments was just her trying to let me down nicely? Am I being a sucker helping out someone who doesn't even consider me a friend anymore?

    I could be blamed for firing the first salvo so to speak when I first removed her from my "friends" group initially since I was upset. So maybe I'm just being hypocritical? May have done that but I still have memories and photos on my site because I still look back positively... anyway I don't know...

    Any insight is appreciated. Thanks
  • Jul 1, 2008, 07:20 AM
    JudyKayTee
    It sounds like she is moving on - and the way she is doing this is removing your photos. Also sounds like the whole abortion crisis was a very rough time for her and maybe she can't separate the good in your relationship from that painful time. Maybe it's her way of letting you know it's really over. Why are you checking out her website or profile or wherever she is posting? I would think that would be incredibly painful for you, sort of like driving past her house to see who's there.

    Breaking up is a grieving process and people handle it in different ways - live with the photos, remove the photos.

    There have been people in my life I will always care for, perhaps even also love but that I am no longer IN LOVE with. I think the staying in touch thing - phone calls, e-mails to say "how are you doing" - is terribly painful and counterproductive. Sometimes it's almost better if you don't speak after a break up.

    I think she's moving on - and I think if this bothers/upset you you may not be moving on and this is a sign that you have to.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 07:35 AM
    Michelle4452
    Hello BD, First of all, I believe she was sincere when she said she loved you and will always love you. It's almost like saying I will always hold a special place for you in my heart. As I type, I can think of one guy that I still love and will always love; even after other relationships and two marriages. I will always love him, no matter what because he is special to me and no one will EVER be able to take his place even though I broke his heart when I ended our relationship and this was at least 25 years ago. I make contact with him every so often and somehow or the other, the conversation always come up about how I broke his heart. He knows that I still love him and I know he still loves me, but we have both moved on with our lives. In the past 25 years, we've contemplated several times about rekindling those flames, but I ALWAYS put a quick halt to it. Why? Because I love him too much to hurt him again and I will always love him no matter.

    Oh, her removing your pictures, messages and what have you, to me is an indication that she's moving on and getting closure. I don't think it has anything to do with her not considering you a friend or anything. The thing about it is, if she left your pictures up and referred to you as her friend and you being like a brother to her, how would you feel?
  • Jul 1, 2008, 07:44 AM
    bigdee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
    It sounds like she is moving on - and the way she is doing this is removing your photos. Also sounds like the whole abortion crisis was a very rough time for her and maybe she can't separate the good in your relationship from that painful time. Maybe it's her way of letting you know it's really over. Why are you checking out her website or profile or wherever she is posting? I would think that would be incredibly painful for you, sort of like driving past her house to see who's there.

    Breaking up is a grieving process and people handle it in different ways - live with the photos, remove the photos.

    There have been people in my life I will always care for, perhaps even also love but that I am no longer IN LOVE with. I think the staying in touch thing - phone calls, e-mails to say "how are you doing" - is terribly painful and counterproductive. Sometimes it's almost better if you don't speak after a break up.

    I think she's moving on - and I think if this bothers/upset you you may not be moving on and this is a sign that you have to.

    Hi Judy,
    You are definitely correct that the abortion crisis really was rough on her. She even told me that if it turned out to be true, she would have resented me for the rest of her life. Not a good sign I guess. I asked if she still resented me now that it turned out to be a false alarm and she said she didn't but the fact that she almost did is telling. I feel so sad over this... that everything could have been perfect for us if this scare not happen... if she didn't panic over 1 day late... ah well...

    As for why am I checking her website/profile? Well because I was listed in some photos, I get notified when I've been removed. So when I find out I've been de-listed, I get curious and can't help myself but check which ones got delisted. So inevitably I end up on her profile... I know I shouldn't care. I guess you are right, I am not properly moving on.

    As for continuing to help her out, should I just stop this also? Does it make sense to continue to help someone who wants to leave me in the past?
  • Jul 1, 2008, 07:58 AM
    bigdee
    Hi Michelle,
    Thanks for sharing your experience. I was very moved by it. I think it is quite special that you two could remain close in each other hearts for that long and still have moved on with your lives.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Michelle4452
    Oh, her removing your pictures, messages and what have you, to me is an indication that she's moving on and getting closure. I don't think it has anything to do with her not considering you a friend or anything. The thing about it is, if she left your pictures up and referred to you as her friend and you being like a brother to her, how would you feel?

    I'm not sure how I'd feel. When she first removed that photos of us together, I completely understood. No issues there. But I was pleased that she left the more benign photos of me since at least she didn't want to completely eradicate my existence from her life. While she didn't explicitly refer to me as a friend, it was implied in the photo that I was someone she was friendly with. And I was fine with it. I was glad she still wanted something to do with me at least. Now apparently those images bother her too. For someone who really gave all for this person to help her though a trying time, it's hard.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 08:48 AM
    JBeaucaire
    It's hard, but everything she's doing is reasonable. She has to comfortably live her life, and that may mean you don't get to stay on her networking sites in any way. It's her choice.

    And her making that choice doesn't make her feelings for you (past or present) a lie either. They were fine, and now they are irrelevant. Just like your lingering feelings for her are ultimately irrelevant now in the future, as well.

    Moving on means doing what you have to. She appears to need less remnants from your time together than you do. There's no harm in that.

    It's hard. But it's normal.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 09:24 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    Hi Judy,
    You are definitely correct that the abortion crisis really was rough on her. She even told me that if it turned out to be true, she would have resented me for the rest of her life. Not a good sign I guess. I asked if she still resented me now that it turned out to be a false alarm and she said she didn't but the fact that she almost did is telling. I feel so sad over this... that everything could have been perfect for us if this scare not happen... if she didn't panic over 1 day late.... ah well...

    As for why am I checking her website/profile? Well because I was listed in some photos, I get notified when I've been removed. So when I find out I've been de-listed, I get curious and can't help myself but check which ones got delisted. So inevitably I end up on her profile... I know I shouldn't care. I guess you are right, I am not properly moving on.

    As for continuing to help her out, should I just stop this also? Does it make sense to continue to help someone who wants to leave me in the past?


    Who knows what the time frame for properly moving on is? I don't think there are rules - as I said, it's a grieving process and everyone has to move through it at their own pace. Should you care how she is? Sure. You loved/love her. Should you avoid her profile - if it hurts? Absolutely.

    I can only address my own experience but if she was important in your life and more importantly, if you can have contact without ripping out your own heart, knowing 100% that it is over, that she is not coming back, that you are not going back, then, sure, have contact. But if it hurts, if it gets your hopes up - well, then I'd say it's a bad idea.

    I lived in Baltimore, had a difficult break up, actually moved back "home" to NYS just to get away from the memories. As long as we had any contact, any time, any place, it wasn't going to be over and it needed to be over - half the time he was checking to see if I was OK, half the time I was checking to see if he was OK - most of the time one or the other of us thought, "If only -" It was not working.

    I feel for you, I really do - it's rough. I would also focus less on the "wanting" to leave you and more on the "needing" to leave you. Sometimes for whatever reason this time, this place, something is not right and you just have to go even if both of you get hurt.

    Life is full of what if's. Don't torture yourself.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 02:35 PM
    bigdee
    JB, Judy,
    Thanks for your insights. I am having a hard time fully letting go. I had invested a lot in the relationship and in her and I am having a hard time accepting that I will have nothing to show for it. Obviously this is par for the course for most breakups but still doesn't make it any easier. I have decided to continue to help her out as I've always done (I'm kind of locked into it for a year+ to make a long story short) but otherwise expect no contact (or payback) from her.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 02:38 PM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    JB, Judy,
    Thanks for your insights. I am having a hard time fully letting go. I had invested a lot in the relationship and in her and I am having a hard time accepting that I will have nothing to show for it. Obviously this is par for the course for most breakups but still doesn't make it any easier. I have decided to continue to help her out as I've always done (I'm kinda locked into it for a year+ to make a long story short) but otherwise expect no contact (or payback) from her.


    And as long as you look at it that way, you'll be fine. And I wouldn't get my hopes up - but you just never know, another time, another place.
  • Jul 1, 2008, 02:41 PM
    bigdee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
    I lived in Baltimore, had a difficult break up, actually moved back "home" to NYS just to get away from the memories. As long as we had any contact, any time, any place, it wasn't going to be over and it needed to be over - half the time he was checking to see if I was OK, half the time I was checking to see if he was OK - most of the time one or the other of us thought, "If only -" It was not working.

    I've been considering for some time what you had to go through... move away. I travel quite a bit for business and when I am away, my thoughts of my ex are minimal. When I come back... it is rough because I am reminded of her all the time. I may, at the very least, have to move to a new apartment since my current apartment is the worst since that is where we spent a lot of time together... *sigh*
  • Jul 1, 2008, 04:47 PM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    I've been considering for some time what you had to go through... move away. I travel quite a bit for business and when I am away, my thoughts of my ex are minimal. When i come back... it is rough because I am reminded of her all the time. I may, at the very least, have to move to a new apartment since my current apartment is the worst since that is where we spent a lot of time together... *sigh*


    Trust me, it gets better. It doesn't seem that it will, but it does. And, yes, a change of scenery might be a very good thing. So do it - take charge, change your life.
  • Jul 2, 2008, 11:10 AM
    Kitty1978
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    Hi Judy,
    You are definitely correct that the abortion crisis really was rough on her. She even told me that if it turned out to be true, she would have resented me for the rest of her life. Not a good sign I guess. I asked if she still resented me now that it turned out to be a false alarm and she said she didn't but the fact that she almost did is telling. I feel so sad over this... that everything could have been perfect for us if this scare not happen... if she didn't panic over 1 day late.... ah well...

    As for why am I checking her website/profile? Well because I was listed in some photos, I get notified when I've been removed. So when I find out I've been de-listed, I get curious and can't help myself but check which ones got delisted. So inevitably I end up on her profile... I know I shouldn't care. I guess you are right, I am not properly moving on.

    As for continuing to help her out, should I just stop this also? Does it make sense to continue to help someone who wants to leave me in the past?

    You know, I'm a very very emotional person, when I break up and I'm in love, I HAVE TO remove everything from that person, to be able to move on! Otherwise Id be in pain for ever. So it means for me that I love him sooo much. I even deleted my ex. Profile and also from my friends list, because I couldn't stand to see his picture again... I would remind me of not having him anymore...
  • Jul 2, 2008, 12:27 PM
    freeatlast1
    "I will always love you" is said when the breakup is still fresh. The person still has strong feelings for you. However, they may or may not last. And certainly, they were not enough to keep the person from leaving you.

    Don't dwell or overanalyze the meaning, just move on as best you can.
  • Jul 2, 2008, 02:07 PM
    bigdee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Kitty1978
    you know, im a very very emotional person, when i break up and im in love, I HAVE TO remove everything from that person, to be able to move on! otherwise Id be in pain for ever. so it means for me that I love him sooo much. I even deleted my ex. profile and also from my friends list, cus I couldnt stand to see his picture again ... I would remind me of not having him anymore ...

    Hi Kitty,
    In your case, who initiated the breakup? I would guess that the one who initiated the breakup would not have the need to remove all memories of the ex. Hence why I was expecting my ex not having issues having pictures of me lying around - especially if she wanted to remain friends...
  • Jul 2, 2008, 04:23 PM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigdee
    Hi Kitty,
    In your case, who initiated the breakup? I would guess that the one who initiated the breakup would not have the need to remove all memories of the ex. Hence why I was expecting my ex not having issues having pictures of me lying around - especially if she wanted to remain friends....


    This is difficult for me - but here goes.

    If you are suffering this much maybe your ex is the one you should be talking to. You only go around once and if it hurts this much, it's not over for you. So you ask her to sit down and talk to you and you lay it all out for her. She either says, "OK, let's try it again" or "It's over and that's final." No more questioning where you go from here.

    And here's why I say that - gulp - my husband died last year. We were married 5 years and 13 days. I knew him 2 months and 10 days when we got married. Everyone thought we had lost all reason - and maybe we had.

    All I know is all together he was my life for 5 years, 2 months and 23 days and I am so glad we didn't waste a single minute of our time together.

    There are no guarantees in life and if you waste time - well, you're not going to get it back and I'd rather hear bad news straight in my face than wonder - what if?

    So please think about it -

    And no one should feel sorry for me, not at all. That's not why I'm saying this. If I had known on the day I met him that I would be alone in such a relatively short period - I'd do it all over again. No regrets and that's maybe how you should begin to process things.
  • Jul 2, 2008, 05:53 PM
    bigdee
    Judy... wow, I am speechless... but I am happy that you lived life to the fullest when you were together with him.

    As for myself... well, a while back I did have a sit down of sorts with her after the breakup. We discussed some of what happened... I did put her on the spot a bit... she wanted time apart and I asked her to follow her instincts and feelings. She said her feelings told her she didn't want the relationship anymore. She said that she was traumatized by the whole scare and she just didn't want to deal with a relationship right now anymore so she can concentrate on her new career. I've more or less accepted this. Seems like everyone is telling me I need to leave her be so she can figure things out and move on. But I suppose deep down I secretly still have hope that when her life is more settled, we may renew things. But reading various threads in this forum this sounds like a fool's dream... I know I need to move on. I'm almost there... really. Just sometimes I get a little angry with everything because I helped her so much to get her going on her new career (it was my top priority for her) and now that she's starting it, she wants out of the relationship to concentrate on it. Once I get over this anger... I'll be fine...
  • Jul 4, 2008, 04:03 PM
    talaniman
    Slowly but surely you will heal.
  • Jul 7, 2008, 07:49 PM
    bigdee
    Opportunity to date someone new. But should I give one last try with the ex again?
    Hello,
    I've broken up with my ex for over 2 months now. She basically wanted time apart to reflect and concentrate on her new career and we ended up deciding to end it as I could not sit around and wait and hope she decides to come back to me in who knows how long.

    (full story here from an old thread: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/relati...me-214728.html)

    I always held out (small) hope that there might be a chance we get back together when thing settle down in her life even though we are moving on from each other.

    I have begun to get active in the dating scene again and now have a few opportunities. However I still felt that I had some special chemistry with my ex that I don't know if I can find with someone else. So I was entertaining the though of contacting her and just re-asking if she still is happy with ending the relationship... maybe hinting that this our last chance to try rekindle the flame so to speak, before I completely move on from her life and start trying some of these new dating opportunities.

    Is this just stupid thinking? I think it probably is and I should just move on already...
  • Jul 7, 2008, 08:16 PM
    snuffy
    Move in, my friend.

    Grasp the new opportuntiy with an open mind and seek to have some fun and enjoyment.

    Life is too short for waiting around for exes.

    If you and the ex were ever going to get back then it may happen one day but don't hold out for it. Increase your options, and treat this new girl with a fresh plate and don't obsess over the ex.

    Count your lucky stars that you ex is not pregnant and refusing to have you back at all.

    You could be in a far worse position.

    Go for the new girl. Go. Do it. You'll thank me one day.

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