2017. szeptember 19., kedd
Husband and I Are Separating (any advice welcome)
This may be more of a venting post, but I'm happy for any words of wisdom.I've been with my partner for over 11 years, and just passed three years of being marriage. We've been together since we were 19. He is truly a wonderful person, and my best friend, and family. Over the past few years, I have noticed my feelings changing about him. We've been seeing a counselor and have agreed space is good for the both of us. He doesn't really want things to end, but he knows Ive been depressed about many aspects in my life, including where we live (rural south area) as well as feeling like I've missed out on certain travel experiences, etc. But I also feel like I have fallen out of love with him.There is much more to the story (There always is,) but essentially we've grown into two different directions and my love for him has shifted to strong friendship/family like feelings. I love him dearly and find him attractive, but not in an intimate way anymore. All of this is out in the open, we've been very transparent with each other. Our counselor has even expressed how blown away she is on how honest and respectful we communicate with each other.I feel mostly at peace with where my life has taken me, and the feelings and growth I have been experiencing. I have a wonderful group of friends that I'm slowly processing things with. I'm really struggling with what ending a marriage, and more specifically, a gay marriage means. When we got married it was barely a right. I feel like I am letting down my community and disrespecting a right people have suffered fighting for. We've been told so many times how we're the "ideal" couple and that many look up to us and want what we have, and I feel like I'm letting them down.I'm also considering moving north to a more liberal area with access to bigger bodies of water(New England!) Both are things that feel very close to me. My friends and family will understand, but my husband and I just came to this separation and I worry some will feel I'm moving too fast, even though I've been feeling this way for years. My husband has essentially given me his blessing, even though he is sad about it. We both know we want to stay in each others life in some capacity. I've considering staying, to soften the blow for him, my friends, and family. But I have felt very unfulfilled these past two years, and need either a break or fresh start. I know what I want, but feel like such a bad person for trying to meet those needs.Last, but not least. I come from a background of my parents both having terrible marriages and divorces with each other and a remarriage for both. While my marriage wasn't toxic and full of emotional abuse, it was/is quite the opposite actually, my situation has brought up a lot of feelings of insecurity and guilt that I can't tell if I'm supposed to take responsibility for.Long story short: I know two other gay couples that are (recently) married, but none that have gone through a separation/divorce or ended after 10+ years of being together, having a home, sharing a business, and three cats. I've also really only experienced one "break up" before this, when I was 18. I guess I thought reaching out to my community outside of my community might assist in giving me some added insight.Like I said at the top, I mostly needed to get this out in writing. I feel slightly better processing my thoughts, but I am feeling a lack of an outlet for advice outside of my straight and/or single gay friends (who are amazing! Just often done know what to say) Thanks for reading if you did. For those who have gone through anything similar, I feel for you. I'm not really sure how to end a heavy post: so thank you, and have a nice week. :/
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