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I have everything for her now i’ve lost everything for her

9 replies

JR24374 · 04/11/2026 23:44

I gave everything for her now ive lost everything for her

I'm currently sitting on the edge of my sofa bed at my parents' house in Cornwall, with tears in my eyes. Just a few days ago, I was in Glasgow, living with my partner of almost five years.

We had been working on my website together. She was kissing me, telling me how proud she was of the progress I'd made. Later that day, we were making love and telling each other we loved each other. We were making plans for Christmas, talking about getting married and looking at houses.

Just two days later, she was looking me in the eye and telling me she didn't love me anymore.

I honestly cannot begin to describe what that did to me. I experienced the biggest autistic meltdown I've ever had. I was screaming, had to be restrained, and much of what happened afterwards is a blur. I still feel as though I'm waiting to wake up and discover it was all a nightmare.

Now I'm back in Cornwall, living in a small annexe at my parents' house. No partner, no home of my own, no friends, no job and no real direction in life.

Perhaps one of the hardest things is that I simply cannot understand how this happened. How can someone be telling you they love you, making love to you and talking about your future together, and then just two days later say they don't love you anymore? I keep going over everything in my head, trying to find an explanation or something I missed. I don't know whether she had been feeling this way for a long time or whether something changed. I just cannot make sense of it.

I've always struggled with relationships, largely because of my autism and the anxiety and overthinking that come with it. From the beginning, I was terrified that the relationship would eventually end because of something I'd said or done.

Looking back, I think that fear may have put a strain on things. For example, when she became upset, she needed space and wanted to be left alone. But I found that incredibly difficult because I would become consumed by thoughts about what she was thinking and whether she was going to leave me. I now torture myself thinking about all the times I should have given her the space she asked for. I feel as though my fear of losing her may have contributed to losing her.

I've also struggled to find work and to make a life for myself. I honestly don't feel as though I understand how to 'do life' in the way other people seem to. I've never had a particularly strong support network, and relationships have been the only times I've really felt that I wasn't alone.

I'm nearly 42, and I cannot bear the thought of spending the rest of my life without someone to share it with. I want the ordinary things that most people probably take for granted: someone to hold hands with, cuddle, talk to, come home to and make plans with. I even feel lonely when I'm with my own family.

I'm struggling with this so badly that I've been having thoughts about not wanting to be alive. I've seen my doctor and he’s already put me on diazepam, but I honestly don't know where to go from here.

I don't know what I'm going to do now.

OP posts:
Pontdulac · 05/11/2026 04:28

At the moment you are in shock and grieving. Try not to concentrate on 'what will I do for the rest of my life ' and more ' what am I going to do tomorrow.' try to focus on doing something in nature - that should be easy in Cornwall. Also try to join a group - maybe one of the men's mental health groups or a repair shop, dungeons and dragons etc. something to get you out and seeing people.
In a few weeks or months I would recommend having a big look at your life and what you want to do. Maybe go on a residential coaching course.
It will slowly ease. X

Autumnalhibernationisthedream · 05/11/2026 04:54

For one thing, you need to get some sleep and then think about grieving this x Forget about the big picture which anyone can make out to be a big thing in their head, the job and the parents house, you’re only 42, plenty of people find their dream job or situation in their 50s. On her, you said you were living in a constant state of this can’t last, that can’t have been easy for either of you. I think you need to just be you for the moment, we’ve all had break ups, some of us from very long term partners. Immerse yourself in things you love (music, films, food and any hobbies you might have) settle into being at home just for the moment and live day to day. You will start seeing that everything wasn’t rosy and that she may have done something that was brave and necessary for you both to be happy

PashaMinaMio · 05/11/2026 04:56

I am so sorry you are going through this. With regret this kind of thing often pops up on MN.

I would say she was future faking with you, she’s probably been feeling uneasy about your relationship for a while, so when it got too much she kind of burst, knew she couldn’t do it any longer, and gave you the worst news ever. Your autism has nothing to do with it or the way you are processing this break up. Many of us have been there and have had to get through it, autistic or not. Feelings of hopelessness and worse are pretty par for the course.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. You simply have to batten down the hatches, deal with any practical issues and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Get yourself out onto the beaches or into nature every day; it really does help. Explore the possibility of counseling and get plenty of rest. Eat well. Leave off the alcohol.

Eventually you will find a new, different way forward but there’s no time limit on grieving what some would liken to a bereavement. You’re in shock but I would suggest going no contact until you feel a bit more balanced & emotionally stronger.

There’s no comfort going to be coming from her so self-sooth yourself with as much distraction as you can to help put emotional distance between the two of you.

Your parents are probably very worried about you too. If it helps, talk to them or a friend whose advice or guidance you’d value. Let it out. Don’t bottle it.

You will get through this. You clearly have professional skills so dig into what you might do next but get yourself out of the house every day and if you think it will help, do some voluntary work whilst you regroup, maybe go swimming or join a gym, but pick yourself up , & start all over again.

This time next year I hope you’ll feel a lot brighter but it takes application and stoicism to get through it. You can do it. Believe me, I know! It’s all part of “the rich pattern of life” but it’s $hit whilst you’re going through it. 💐

Lookatheskies · 05/11/2026 07:02

If you continue to feel low speak to the GP about any local mens groups they can refer you to. There are more mens mental health charities etc. that have sprung up these days. And Samaritans are good usually, very non judgmental. Basically I think some deep diving into understanding your own emotions would probably be helpful in the longrun.

FayeMumsnet · 05/11/2026 10:38

Hi, OP.

We're really sorry to hear you're feeling so low at the moment. It sounds like you're having a tough time, and we're glad to see other Mumsnetters offering kindness and support.

We wanted to share our Mental Health webguide, which has information and links to organisations that may be able to offer some support.

Please do reach out to your GP if you're struggling, and remember that Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 if you need someone to talk to.

Take care of yourself, and our best wishes.
Faye
MNHQ 💐

Mental Health Webguide | Mumsnet

A guide to information and services related to mental health support. Find reliable organisations and support services here.

https://www.mumsnet.com/webguide/mental-health

oldbooksmell · 05/11/2026 13:50

@JR24374
I’m sorry that you are experiencing this, it’s really difficult.
Firstly, allow yourself to deal with this in your own way. As a fellow ND person, I know how long it takes us to shift ourselves, so don’t feel the need to follow any one else’s timeline.
Please understand that all relationships are valid, and yes, the thought of having that one person is particularly appealing, but the relationship with your parents, other family members , part of society in the form of groups and a job are also important.

You are just as worthy as an individual than as part of a couple, don’t ever forget that.

JR24374 · 05/11/2026 13:58

I have a serious problem though. Loneliness causes me an unnatural amount of pain. It feels like an illness to me that i am now forced to live with. The relationship i have with my parents and the rest of my family isn

OP posts:
PashaMinaMio · 05/11/2026 19:14

@JR24374
Your last post isn’t finished. Read your draft. The last sentence is incomplete.

If you’re on Instagram look up Michaeltothemax101.
He’s a men’s relationship coach.
He’s very good. Listen to some of his videos.

JR24374 · 05/11/2026 19:17

*isn’t enough

OP posts:
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