If you left a relationship where you felt incredibly lonely..

[Therollinghills]

Did you still feel lonely once you were out of it?
I'm leaving DP for a number of reasons. He has never been able or willing to support me emotionally and has a go at me if I ask for emotional support. He doesn't really initiate conversations and has no real interest in me or anything I do. Or in anyone else for that matter. He never shows me care or affection, can't tell how I'm feeling unless I explicitly tell him, and never says anything encouraging or supportive. It just wouldn't occur to him to do so.
I've spent years trying to get him to participate in the relationship and give me what I need, and now I've given up, I feel desperately lonely. I feel tearful when I see couples on TV looking after each other or friends in couples having a laugh together or showing affection. I really long for someone who would be like that with me, but also can't imagine it.
I'm looking forward to fully getting out of the relationship as we're still living together but I'm a bit worried I might feel even worse in terms of loneliness because then I won't have anyone who could give me what I need. I know I can't get it from my ex, but the kind of hope that he might change has kept me from seeing the relationship for what it was, plus he's always blamed me and told me I'm too needy etc . I'm not in a hurry to meet someone else.
I suppose what I'm asking is, is it true that being in an unfulfilling relationship is worse than being on your own?

@Bobbotgegrinch yours is the perfect answer!

I could have written your post myself six months ago.

I spoke to my husband about how I was feeling; alone, lonely, unsupported, ignored, belittled, trapped.

He changed pretty much overnight and is now trying to be kind and friendly and supportive. After nearly 20 years of me thinking he wasn't able to be those things, making excuses to my family and friends for his rudeness, making allowances because I thought it wasn't his fault he couldn't link emotionally with me, suddenly he showed me that he can do those things.

It has made me so so so much more resentful that the initial behaviour. He was obviously choosing to behave like that

I haven't made any firm decisions yet. But I am reading the responses to this post with interest. Because I am lonely and resentful right now.

Firstly sending hugs 🥰 I separated from my husband nearly 2 years ago. We were together 15 years, have 4 children together. Our marriage was incredibly difficult, and being honest I probably stayed longer than I should have.
Its incredibly difficult when you separate. You have a head and heart full of memories. I'm a lone partner to our 4 children. He is not interested in his role as a parent. I still remember him telling me he should never of had kids. He never took our children out, interacted with them etc. I bared the whole parenting when we together, and I still do now (physically, mentally and financially). I have no support and can't afford a babysitter, so I have no social life etc. I still feel as lonely now as I did with my husband. The only positives is I no longer have to sit and guess what husband is doing behind my back. The lies and disrespect that I had thrown in my face day in, day out. There are times I think I should ask him back, because 'better the devil you know'. Then I remember everything he done, and it gives me the strength to not turn back.
If you've got very supportive friends and family it might be abit easier. But my family are quite selfish, and because theyre happy in their own lives. It feels like they can't relate to what I'm going through. It's hard when you get reminders, which drag up old memories. There have been many nights I've cried alone in bed, wishing I wasn't by myself. Wishing I was happy with someone. Wondering why someone nice like me is alone and unhappy.
Definitely don't go back or settle. I'm sure you'll be able to live a much more fulfilling and happier life. It won't always be a bed of roses. I hold onto the thought, that I will be happy someday. Perhaps when my children are that bit older. Then I can go out, do things, make friends, have a social life etc.

This is exactly what I was thinking the other day. If I stay it'll 99.9% always leave me feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. If I leave I might be lonely sometimes but it won't be the same feeling as having a partner who makes you feel like you're alone.
Thank you to everyone who has commented, the people who left and felt better have given me strength and determination, as well as making me feel less alone, and for everyone who is in a similar position for you.

Life is a million times better alone than in an unhappy, lonely relationship. A million times better.

I am way happier alone. I know I am alone rather than hoping someone will want to spend time with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. We are still friends and see each other but I don't miss how it was. We started out great but lost us. Its a shame but it is what it is x