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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

My relationship is stuck

9 replies

JohnGro · 07/01/2024 10:38

Hi everyone,

I've been in this relationship for almost 2 years (we are both 36). Even if I am writing here, things are good. We love each other very much, we have a relationship based on trust, faithfulness, sex is still good, we are not bored, however there is a problem: we are not living together and don't think we will anytime soon.

The background of this:
One day per week, my gf wants to be alone with her, something we both agree upon because I also like that, but I did not make much of it at the start. However this is becoming the main reason we are not moving in, as stupid as it sounds. We've tried and saw a few apartments since our 6th month together, but she always was reluctant. We spend our time either at her place or at mine.

A background on her:
I think it's important to point out some things about how she is, things I know and accept, but I am subjective on it:

  • she doesn't have any real friends and doesn't know how to make the difference between the term "friend" and "acquaintance". For example she calls friend somebody who she knows and speaks once per 1 year in the best case scenario.
  • she is depressed and trying to work with that for many years now when, at some point, she was close to suicide
  • she is unhappy at work and because she doesn't have a purpose, but she isn't doing anything to make it better, to solve that
The past two weeks we had two arguments that triggered me to write here:
  1. She was very upset we are sitting on the couch and watch tv series or chill after work lately instead of doing things. I pointed out that I came up with different plans (walk after work, drive somewhere etc) but she was too tired to do anything.
  2. This morning I made a comment while we were still in bed, like a stupid one that I've read somewhere that getting hit in the balls in same as giving birth when it comes to pain. It followed an argument and how much I tried to explain it was a silly thing I've read, she took it personal.

So, I love her, I think we are compatible, not 100%, but we have a good relationship nevertheles. But I think she is not in a right place and moving in will be a mistake. I think the therapy she is doing is either not helping her or she is not doing it right (no idea, we don't talk about it).
But I think not moving together and making the next step will get to me quite soon if we are not doing it, and I don't want to be selfish and ask her that when clearly she is not fine.

So? Would love to hear some inputs on this
Thank you!

OP posts:
JohnGro · 07/01/2024 13:13

Anyone?

OP posts:
Thatsthebottomline · 07/01/2024 13:47

Two years together isn’t that long when there’s a lot going on. It seems to me like she’s got a lot on sorting herself out and feeling better for herself. This is a great thing that you should be supporting her with.

If you love her like you say you do my advice wouldn’t be worrying about moving in yet. If you’re going to be together for the long term then there’s no rush. There appears to be a lack of fun and a lack of joy, for a better word, within your relationship.

So relax, dont worry about the future and live in the moment. Remind yourselves why you are together in the first place.

JohnGro · 07/01/2024 14:05

@Thatsthebottomline

She does, yes, but she talks about it, doesn't actually work on it. Of course, I've offered my support, but In a way not to intrude: Hey, I am here anytime you need something. But she needs to sort it out herself.

Nevertheless, thank you for your input.

OP posts:
Kosenrufugirl · 07/01/2024 20:33

I like books by Dr Laura Schlessinger, a family therapist. One is titled 10 things Men Do to Mess Up Their Lives. It's available on Amazon. I haven't read it so I can't vouch for that particular book.

JohnGro · 07/01/2024 21:09

@Kosenrufugirl
Moving in with your SO is one of those 10 Things?

OP posts:
ManHereSorry · 07/01/2024 21:20

If you’re having doubts don’t do it. Or at least go in with your eyes open and an exit plan.

2024GarlicCloves · 07/01/2024 21:20

Difficult, isn't it. You love her but you don't love her state of mind.

For me, this would be the beginning of the end. I don't want to be a partner's therapist and would be really angry if they tried to pass me the responsibility for their depression - which is what she's doing when she complains that you don't do anything, having rejected your ideas.

If you honestly feel your relationship enhances your life rather than taking joy out of it, then go along with her awkwardness. You can wait to see whether her mood improves, but it might be wise to privately set a time limit.

JohnGro · 07/01/2024 21:32

@2024GarlicCloves
Thank you.
The last part is something I want to do, but I think I need to be selfish and keep it to myself.
If I tell her she will take it as an ultimatum.

OP posts:
Kosenrufugirl · 08/01/2024 10:17

I haven't yet read this particular book however I like Dr Laura's books in general. It's on Amazon, sometimes people post useful reviews and snippets. So you can decide if it's worth looking into.

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