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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Can we save our relationship?

3 replies

WalkiesPlease · 28/10/2019 00:06

I've been feeling really differently about my partner recently and it turns out he feels the same way too. I get irritated so easily and there is no sexual chemistry between us at all. We had a chat tonight and we both just feel like we are doing so well in our separate lives but not well as a couple..

we've been together 4 years, no children, we rent a house together and we're both in our mid twenties. I had a really awful summer where I had to move out and look after a parent, who then died, and since coming back it feels like we've both been on our best behaviour but something just hasn't been right.. it's just that when I think of breaking up and him not being in my life anymore, it's such a shatteringly awful thing to think about – he's my best friend, he makes me laugh everyday, a compliment from him can have me feeling like I'm walking on air.. but then our life is so mundane – there's no flirting, no sexual tension, no chemistry.. my weight is really off-putting for him (I've gained 40 pounds since we met) and he has some deep-rooted mental health issues that he has refused to get help for and it's caused some resentment on my part.

we both got so, so upset tonight talking about whether this was the end or not, but we both agreed that we would hate to walk away from our relationship without knowing that we'd tried our absolute hardest.. so he's moving out. my logic is that it will give us time to both breathe and look after ourselves almost as if we were single – not putting each other first all the time but being selfish and thinking about what we want to do to improve our lives.

does this sound ridiculous? I have no idea what to do. neither does he. we're just gutted that it's gotten to this stage. we have planned a few "dates" for the next few weeks and we're going to keep in contact like a normal couple, but how do we fix us? please be kind.

OP posts:
Interestedwoman · 28/10/2019 00:35

Not ridiculous at all xxxxx

You are of course going to be grieving your lost loved one and he might not know how to treat someone who is bereaved, so feel a bit awkward?

'my weight is really off-putting for him'

He should not have said that (assuming he did and you're not just assuming he feels that way.)- Does he say other hurtful things?

'he has some deep-rooted mental health issues that he has refused to get help for and it's caused some resentment on my part.'

There you have it then. 'how do we fix us?'

He gets appropriate treatment for his mental health problems, as decided upon by a professional. Both medication and therapy might be useful, epending what his doctor suggests.

You need to see him trying everything, IMO- well that is what I would want to see.

Then you can either try again at living together (if you decide that's what you want) once he's started treatment, if the effort itself is enough for you, or when his condition improves enough for your liking. Only spend as much time with this man as you feel comfortable with, and if you feel uncomfortable at any time, leave.

Best wishes xxxxx

Interestedwoman · 28/10/2019 00:37

'if you feel uncomfortable at any time, leave.'

  • I mean if he 'plays up' with his mental health etc and the interaction is too much for you, say he's unnerving you or whatever and end the date/conversation.
WalkiesPlease · 28/10/2019 10:09

thank you @Interestedwoman – I really appreciate you taking the time to help me xxx

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