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sweetie

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 30 total)
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  • in reply to: How Do I Support My Grieving Partner Without Losing Myself? #45775
    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    Grief can feel all-consuming, and you want to be the rock they can lean on. But remember, love isn’t about losing yourself in someone else’s pain it’s about walking alongside them. You can support them with love and compassion, but you also need to keep your own rhythm. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to express that. Tell them that you’re here for them, but also share how you’re feeling. Love is about balance, not sacrifice. Your needs matter too. Don’t lose yourself in trying to fix things. Just show up with all your love, but still let yourself be whole.

    in reply to: How do you move on when your first love ends? #45774
    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    Oh, I know how heavy it can feel when your first love ends. It’s like someone erased a piece of your story. But you don’t have to erase the memories you can still cherish them. Let yourself feel what you feel, and know it’s okay to miss what you had. But you’re more than just your first love. You’ll find new colors in your heart, different shades of joy that come from new experiences. Moving on isn’t about replacing what was it’s about embracing the new chapter, one small step at a time. Love has more than one rhythm.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    I can feel how frustrating that must be especially when you’re building something together, and the past keeps creeping in. Financial irresponsibility is heavy to carry, but it’s also important to understand that people can change. If your partner is willing to take responsibility for it and make real steps toward fixing it, that’s a good sign. But if they’re still not owning up to their choices, it’s okay to ask yourself if that’s something you can live with. You deserve someone who is as committed to securing your future as they are to addressing their past.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    Promises about the future are sweet, but they need to feel tangible. If you’re not allowed to meet his child, it can feel like he’s holding back a huge part of his life. Maybe there’s hesitation because he’s protecting his child from too much change, but at the same time, if the future really matters, you deserve to be part of it not just in words, but in real moments too. It’s okay to ask questions about his reasoning. You have a right to feel like you’re being included in his world, and if he’s not ready for that, it might be time to decide what’s best for you moving forward.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    That sounds like an exhausting situation. No one should feel like they have to endure harassment, even from someone they’ve shared a life with before. He has the right to protect his peace and set boundaries no matter how hard that might be. Maybe he needs to let her know, gently but firmly, that this kind of behavior isn’t acceptable anymore. If talking doesn’t work, then finding support from others, like a mediator or even legal help, could help both of them find a better way to co-parent. He doesn’t have to just take it; he can stand up for his peace without creating more conflict.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    That’s a tricky situation, and I totally get why you’re torn. Sometimes, after something intimate, emotions get tangled up in ways we didn’t expect. Him becoming clingy might just be his way of processing things. But if it doesn’t align with what you want, it’s definitely a boundary issue. I think it’s time to check in with yourself ask what you need. If you’re not ready for that kind of closeness, be honest with him in a gentle way. You can set the boundary without pushing him away just make sure it feels right for you.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    It’s so easy to feel hurt when someone still holds on to old habits or family dynamics, especially if you feel like you’re not included in the picture. But I think it’s important to consider where they’re coming from. They’ve spent years building this family bond, and it might be hard for them to let go of that after the games, even if it’s uncomfortable for you. Rather than feeling mad, try talking about your feelings with calm honesty. It’s not about being angry it’s about letting them know that you need something different to feel included and respected in this new chapter.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    It’s hard when someone still calls, especially when you know they’re in a relationship. It sounds like he might be confused about his feelings, but that’s not your responsibility to untangle. You can stay friends, but only if it feels healthy for both of you. Keep things clear remind him gently that you’re there as a friend, and that you respect his relationship. Set boundaries that keep things in the friend zone, and don’t let any moment feel like it’s something more. Your heart deserves to stay safe, and his relationship deserves respect, too.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    I think intimacy brings up so many different emotions, and sometimes, after a high moment, people can feel disconnected or distant, even if they don’t want to. It’s not about losing interest, it’s more about her needing space to process everything, or maybe she just feels vulnerable and doesn’t know how to stay in the moment. Let her know you’re not rushing for more, and give her time to come back to you in her own way. Maybe ask her about it gently and listen to what she’s feeling, but don’t pressure her. Let it be okay for both of you.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    That’s a huge leap to take, and I can feel how heavy this must be. You gave so much moved, put yourself out there and now you’re questioning if it was worth it. But love should never feel like you’re carrying it alone, especially when trust feels off. You deserve honesty, not shadows. Maybe it’s time to listen to your heart and ask yourself if you’re growing in this relationship or if you’re just holding on to something that feels more like hope than reality. Don’t let your dreams get lost in someone else’s secrets.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    That kind of ending feels so confusing gentle, but final. I’ve had someone say something similar once, and it left me wondering if it was really faith or just a softer way to say goodbye. Maybe it’s both. Maybe she’s trying to listen to what her heart (or her peace) is telling her. You can still respect her decision while feeling hurt. Let her go with kindness, not anger. If something’s meant to return, it will but don’t wait in stillness for it. Keep living, keep growing, and let love find you again in its own time.

    in reply to: should I wait for him to grow up? #45634
    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    I used to think waiting was proof of love that patience meant strength. But now I see it’s not about waiting, it’s about balance. You can’t pour your time into someone who’s not ready and expect to stay full. If he’s not showing effort, you’re not helping him by staying you’re teaching him you’ll stay no matter what. And you deserve more than that.
    Real love doesn’t need to be postponed until someone “grows up.” It should already make you feel seen, safe, and valued. Maybe the right person won’t need you to wait they’ll already be there, choosing you, in the present tense.

    in reply to: My Girlfriend Completely Shuts Down During Any Disagreement #45633
    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    That kind of silence can hurt. It makes you feel like you’re standing outside a locked door, knocking softly, hoping she’ll let you in. I’ve been there where love feels strong but words get tangled. Maybe she grew up thinking arguments mean things are breaking. Maybe she’s still learning that love can survive disagreement.
    You can’t force her to open up, but you can make her feel it’s safe to try. Tell her she doesn’t need perfect words, just honest ones. Stay kind even when you’re frustrated softness can be louder than shouting.
    Love doesn’t always speak fluently; sometimes it stumbles, pauses, and starts again. What matters is that you both keep trying to reach each other, even through the quiet.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    I get why you’re feeling stuck between supporting your partner and wanting to maintain a friendship that’s really helped you adjust. It sounds like the situation is tough, especially with your partner feeling vulnerable about his boss knowing personal details, but also knowing how important that friendship has been to you.

    I think a temporary reduction in contact might be a good middle ground — just as a gesture to show you’re trying to respect his feelings. But I also wouldn’t leave things hanging. Once things settle a bit, having an open and honest conversation with your partner about what feels fair for both of you, including boundaries, would be really important.

    As for talking to the boss’s wife, if you decide to, it could be good to frame it as wanting to be transparent and respectful of your partner’s feelings, while still expressing gratitude for her support. Something like, “I really appreciate all the support you’ve given me, but I also want to make sure I’m respecting my partner’s feelings right now as we navigate this.” This way, it doesn’t feel like you’re backing away or abandoning the friendship, but acknowledging that things have shifted.

    Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between respecting your partner’s needs and holding on to the friendships that are important to you. A little compromise now could help ease the tension in the long run, and make sure your relationship is stronger for it.

    Sweetie
    Member #382,677

    I can totally understand why you’re feeling confused and hurt. It’s hard when someone acts hot and cold, especially when you’re trying to respect their space but still want clarity. His mixed signals are definitely unfair to you, and it’s normal to want more consistency and respect.

    Your boundary message is firm but fair. You’re not being harsh; you’re setting a limit on the uncertainty and protecting yourself from being strung along. It’s important that you communicate how you feel and what you need, without feeling guilty about it. If he’s serious about wanting you, he’ll understand and respect your need for clarity. But if he’s not, this will give you the space you need to move forward without feeling stuck.

    Trust your gut — if you feel like you’re being strung along, it’s okay to set a clear boundary. You deserve someone who is as certain about you as you are about them.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 30 total)