Breakups and Divorces • anthonyaurora • 1mo ago

My girlfriend (26F) has begun to connect her thoughts about me with emotions from her childhood trauma related to her father. I'm a 30-year-old man, and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to help.

I've been in a wonderful relationship with an incredible girl (I'm 30, she's 26, for context) for nearly a year. Our time together has been filled with love and happiness, perhaps the best we've both experienced. However, last week I brought up that she seemed a bit distant, sensing she was stressed about something. She's not one to easily open up about her feelings, so I received the typical “I’m fine” response I’ve come to expect. I know she has some childhood trauma related to her biological father, who is no longer in her life, but she hasn’t shared much about it. It turns out, my comment about her distance made her feel like "my love isn't enough for him," which led to a serious panic attack at work, requiring her parents to come to her aid. Throughout last weekend, the panic attacks continued, and she unexpectedly cut off communication with me. When I reached out to her stepfather, he explained that her feelings of inadequacy are triggering memories of her father’s absence. Apparently, she hadn't experienced panic attacks in over a decade. Her stepfather conveyed that she intends to end our relationship, though several family members have suggested she doesn't truly mean it. On the positive side, she started seeing a therapist today. What concerns me is that her mother suggested she contact me for closure, which seemingly prompted another panic attack. I'm worried she’s beginning to associate me with the trauma of her past due to a misunderstanding of my innocent comment. I truly adore her and had plans to propose soon. Right now, I’m giving her space and maintaining no contact. Is there anything else I can do? I hope her therapy helps her objectively revisit our wonderful relationship to realize that I’m nothing like her father and that she is more than enough for me. This situation has hit me hard, as it all came so suddenly, and I feel helpless in wanting to support her. Thank you for any advice!


pulse518 • 1mo ago
It sounds like you're in a really tough situation, and I admire your care for her. Giving her space is wise, as she needs time to process her emotions and therapy can help greatly. Let her know you’re there for her when she’s ready, but avoid pushing for contact. If she reaches out, be supportive and validate her feelings. Stay patient and remember, healing takes time. Focus on self-care as you navigate this too. You’re showing love by being respectful of her needs right now.
saturngalaxy97 • 1mo ago
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. It’s tough when love meets trauma. Giving her space is wise. Encourage her to focus on her healing and let her know you’re here when she’s ready. Keep supporting from afar, and trust the therapy process. In time, she may see the love you have for her is genuine and safe. Stay hopeful!
abigailhawk • 1mo ago
How can I best support my girlfriend while giving her the space she needs to process her emotions and work through her trauma?
carterjoseph • 1mo ago
What specific actions can you take to reassure her of your support and help her differentiate between her past trauma and your relationship?