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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

Hand hold- tips for breakup recovery. I ended things but feel v low.

4 replies

piddocktrumperiness · 21/07/2021 15:02

Hi everyone
I met someone about 8 months ago that I believe I manifested- might sound cooky but he ticked so many boxes of mine, down to obscure details. I have however forgot to add that I wanted to be attracted him. Lo and behold, I was so surprised to have met someone so close in alignment to me. I never felt sparks with him and thought sparks and attraction would grow so I kept dating him. They never came.

He was the healthiest relationship I have had; I felt cherished and adored and was able to exercise open communication and boundaries. He was consistent with words and actions. He was like a v good friend. We were exclusive, he saw a future with me and vocalised that. We had not slept together in all that time as I said I wanted to be sure. He was there for me through thick and thin. These were refreshing attributes as I had previously been in toxic relationships and had an emotionally unavailable father growing up.

In saying that, there were a few things niggling at me that I wasn't attracted to, some were petty, some I feel were valid and I couldn't shake off but overall I increasingly became triggered and anxious when meeting him and so ended things in what I hope was a tender way. I just could not see him as my forever partner.

I have so much love and care for him, but that it was not transferring romantically for me. I want to be able to feel physical and sexual attraction with him and though we'd snog and it was great, the thought of me getting naked in front of him, or seeing him naked seemed weird and icky like I would be getting naked in front a family member or a best friend. Did not feel right. I felt that was not right and maybe I left it to long to sleep with him who knows but I want to be attracted both physically and sexually to my guy, esp in the early days.

My sister stumbled across his profile on her bumble less than 48hrs after the breakup, were he said he was single for 2 yrs and v happy. This really bruised my ego as it meant I never existed and that the 8 months meant nothing.

I have made the choice to stay away from the apps to heal and reflect and was taken aback as to how quickly he went on them.

Even though I ended the relationship I feel terribly low- because this was an overall v positive experience and he was good to me and he ticked alot of my boxes. I sometimes second guess myself when it comes to my decision and wondering whether I can find a man who makes me feel the way he did, but also have mutual physical attraction to. I suppose my mindset when I am low is one of scarcity- which I want to snap out of.

Ideally I'd like to stay single for a while, sit in the discomfort if necessary but get used to my own company and heal. These are v early days and I'd appreciate any advice on what you did to help you heal through a breakup? Aside from time?

OP posts:
Yescheese · 21/07/2021 15:27

Tbh I'm not sure why your sister felt the need to say she had seen him on the app, yes it was incredibly soon but he wasn't cheating and unfortunately some people just like to get straight back out there and not have the period of grieving the relationship alone.

If you ended things then it may be that he is very hurt (especially if there was no sex in 8 months) and this is his way of coping.

In the nicest possible way, and I have been there, seeing an ex with another person just days after a 3 year relationship, it is your pride that wishes they needed to take some time out to recover. Don't let this detract from what you know to be true, which is that the relationship was lovely but not quite right, and was stopping you from finding what you really needed in partner, which naturally includes a sexual attraction.

I think that unfortunately time is the healer, but for now, you need to listen to what you need. If you need company and to discuss the breakup, seek out friends, if you need solitude, distraction or a change of scene, find that. I wouldn't recommend jumping straight back onto OLD before you're ready as frankly, you will have a series of lacklustre dates that make this nice experience appear brighter and better than it was. You will be fine Flowers

piddocktrumperiness · 21/07/2021 15:33

Thank you @Yescheese

It is my pride and ego that is being affected this way as you say.
I don't think the summer is the best of times to break up as my friends are all away with their families.

What kind of things do you mean by distraction?

OP posts:
Yescheese · 21/07/2021 15:37

Could be anything, say, focussing on
interests or hobbies or reassessing your life goals and working towards something like a new job, promotion or qualification. Volunteering is great for your self worth and meeting people. Could be as simple as taking time to read, or keep your hands busy by cooking, gardening, making things.

I know what you mean about people being away! Do you have any friends further afield to make a weekend visit to?

piddocktrumperiness · 21/07/2021 15:58

No, no friends that I can visit, but I suppose I could journal in the meantime and get thoughts down.

I love those suggestions. I do have a few books I need to catch up on :)

OP posts:
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