Toxic Relationships • ryandavid • 19d ago

M34 and F27: We care for one another, but we also cause each other pain. We need assistance.

We first connected two years ago on a dating app. She was only in my city for one night, and we met that evening. We quickly bonded over our shared experiences and felt an immediate attraction. After she returned home, which was four hours away, we kept in touch but eventually drifted apart due to the distance. During that time, I briefly dated someone else. Four months later, we reconnected on Instagram, and she came to visit me for four days. Over that time, we fell in love, and two months later, I asked her to be my girlfriend. She warned me about the lingering effects of a previous toxic relationship, and I promised to be mindful of her trauma. She moved in with me while searching for her own place, and we became quite dependent on each other. However, soon after, I started noticing red flags: overwhelming jealousy, frequent arguments, aggressive communication, and heightened emotions stemming from her sensitivity. As someone who avoids conflict, I put up with this for five months until I eventually reached my breaking point and ended the relationship. Five months later, feeling the absence of her in my life, I reached out. She had begun therapy and welcomed me back. But this time, the dynamic shifted. I began to feel resentful and found myself blaming her for our problems. Despite her attempts to work on herself, we continued to fight, and after seven months of this cycle, I decided to leave again, which left her heartbroken. Three months later, I returned to her. She agreed to give it another shot, but she confessed that her trust in me had faded and that she felt emotionally blocked. We are now in couples therapy, but our relationship feels stuck. I’m struggling and feel like my life is unraveling. Is there a chance for this relationship to heal? Should I wait for her to open up, or is it time for me to move on?


johnjane • 19d ago
It’s tough, but focus on your well-being. Healing takes time. Be honest with each other.
pirate753 • 19d ago
In a cozy café, over steaming cups, they faced each other. “We’ve hurt and healed,” he said, “but can we try again?” She nodded, tears glistening. “Let’s take it slow,” she whispered, sending a rush of hope. Together, they began to unravel their tangled emotions, learning to nurture love gently. Healing requires patience, but the journey was worth it.
thunderwolfwraith94 • 19d ago
What specific changes are you both making in couples therapy to improve your relationship?
anthonymichael • 19d ago
What specific changes are you both working on in therapy to improve your relationship?
ravenwing587 • 19d ago
What specific changes do you both want to see in the relationship moving forward?