Dear questioner,
I'm so excited to answer your question!
I'm a listening therapist, Xiaoliu!
I really hope my answer helps!
1. The "anxiety that he may leave at any time" is a thrilling, unexpected adventure!
A very important part of a comfortable and trusting relationship is that both partners feel safe with each other. This way, we don't have to worry about losing the relationship, and we can relax and be ourselves, let go of some of our stress and defenses, share our joy with each other, and grow together—it's a wonderful feeling!
And it doesn't even have to be about the intimate relationship!
People have a very strong psychological fear of many unresolved "losses."
There is a very intense psychological fear, and it's totally normal!
The good news is that you can overcome this challenge! The incident of him proposing to break up, as well as your experience after you begged him to come back, made you feel like this person was an existence that could leave at any time. But you can choose to feel differently! The pain from the breakup will make you extremely anxious once you think about this possibility in the later stages. At this time, the sense of security from the intimate relationship gradually disintegrates. But you can choose to feel differently!
The thrilling possibility of losing someone at any time!
It's like a sharp blade hanging over our heads, ready to be used at a moment's notice!
We always feel that we might be left behind, but we also feel excited about the possibilities that lie ahead!
This can lead to a huge amount of internal conflict, which is an opportunity for growth and understanding!
2. When the issue of security arises, it's an excellent opportunity to re-examine the feasibility of "promises." There are so many factors that can influence this, and we can dive deep into this part to gain new insights:
(1) The influence of the ambivalent attachment paradigm in intimate relationships may be a long-term issue, and it's an exciting one!
In the past, psychologists have made some fascinating discoveries about how our interactions with our mothers and caregivers reflect certain personality traits. For example, infants who are unable to accept their mothers' departure are unable to explore, play, or even enjoy interacting with their mothers when their mothers are around. Instead, they are constantly paying attention to their mothers, and once their mothers show signs of leaving, they will be extremely distressed. Once their mothers actually leave, the infants will show very strong reactions. This state is called ambivalent attachment.
Dear friend,
The good news is that we can overcome this fear! It may be related to your past experiences, which may continue to haunt you and manifest as anxiety in intimate relationships.
If we may have ambivalent attachment, after experiencing the blow of the other person wanting to leave, we often want to soothe our restless hearts through the other person's increased companionship, increased care, and increased expressions of love. We may need to argue again and again, but it's worth it!
He loves me! He won't leave!
And that's exactly why!
It can be tough to enjoy the comfort and pleasure that the relationship brings us when we're constantly on guard against the possibility that he wants to break up. But we're determined to make it work! This anxious state of mind can also affect interactions in an intimate relationship.
There's a good chance we'll have some lively debates!
Our insecurities are really getting in the way!
(2) When trust is broken, it can make the "promise" lose its weight. This is an opportunity for us to believe in ourselves and our relationship again!
You mentioned in your statement that there is an age gap between you, and that this gap poses a certain threat to the relationship. Although we may have tried to ignore the psychological feelings it brings us in the past,
It's only natural to worry about being with someone much younger than ourselves. We're excited to see where this relationship goes! And because of the risks of an age gap, we're ready to face the challenge of making this work, even after the other person has proposed to break up.
We both long to be together!
And at some point
I think you see how difficult it is, but we can do it!
Even if you've already met the parents of both sides and it seems to be heading in the desired direction, and even if the other person makes a firm promise, we still can't convince ourselves.
(3) Love is like drinking fish soup: you know whether it's hot or cold. In a relationship, there are bound to be conflicts. But that's okay!
As you can see from the statement, you don't seem very happy. You sense the other person's unstable emotions, and words like "let go" actually evoke the traumatic experience of breaking up. But you know what? This is your chance to take the reins and make a change! There are indeed problems in the relationship, but you have the power to fix them.
And you have already become aware of this, which is great!
3. Based on your situation, I would love to offer the following suggestions, which are just my personal opinions for your reference.
(1) When faced with a psychological decision in an avoidant conflict, it's important to give yourself some time to see your own psychological demands and make decisions independently.
I totally get it!
Two fantastic options are probably coming to mind!
It's time to make a choice: break up or not?
If we break up, we get to experience the inevitable chain reaction and the emotions of loneliness, and we get to adapt to it. If we don't break up, we get to bear the pressure and conflicts caused by constant anxiety and the uncontrollability of the future.
You have the exciting opportunity to choose between two great options! This confusion inspired us to write this question, and we get to make the decision ourselves. No one can make the choice for us and bear the consequences. We ultimately get to face our inner selves and see what we want and don't want!
Then, you'll be able to look back with no regret!
My advice is that if time and other conditions permit, you can try to clarify your thoughts, perhaps by writing them down. This is a great way to visualize the subconscious part of us, and then we can make a decision carefully and without regret!
(2) We can do this! We can break down the barriers of information and understand the other person's thoughts. We can also continue communicating with the other person. At the same time, we can refocus on ourselves and allow ourselves to be happy.
The big question is: will we break up or not?
We all have the right to know the truth about what happened, and it's time we did!
The reason for the gap between the two of you is probably because we have not communicated effectively, unable to reflect each other's feelings. We are both tired in the presence of the other, and then love becomes a drain. But there's no need to worry! This is not a request for both parties to make concessions or compromises. Instead, it's an opportunity for you to understand what kind of plan he has for your future, whether he has more specific, more actionable ideas, and what you think about it.
Maybe, just maybe, through communication, there will be new developments!
Absolutely! We also need to pay attention to our own feelings again. When relationship issues cause huge internal friction, it is difficult for us to feel the warmth in our lives other than love. It is time to rediscover ourselves. No matter where this relationship goes, we also need to find our own rhythm of life and our own life goals to make ourselves happy.
(3) Pay attention to your own mental health! Don't carry it all alone. Seek psychological intervention and get the help you need!
As mentioned earlier, we may have some "mental issues," and we do perceive the impact of emotional trauma. We are torn between the fog of love and the future. But don't worry! If we continue to deplete ourselves internally, it may not be conducive to our mental health and growth.
I highly recommend that you try to talk to a professional mental health practitioner or seek regular psychological counseling. Expressing your feelings, whether anger, sadness, grievances, confusion, or anything else, in a safe environment can bring healing. We can also relieve our own emotional distress through talking or counseling, and slowly reflect on our inner selves through scientific methods.
And that's my entire response!
Thank you so much for reading!
I wish you all the very best!
I'm a listening therapist, Liu Quanyan, and I'm here to help!
I'm here for you! Please, feel free to talk to me.
Comments
I understand your feelings and it's really tough to be in this situation. It seems like the relationship has changed a lot since last October, and it's clear that both of you are struggling. I think it's important to consider what you truly want and need from a relationship. If his behavior is making you feel bad and he admits he can't change, maybe it's time to think about what's best for you in the long run.
It's so hard when you're torn between love and peace of mind. From what you've shared, it sounds like you're feeling suffocated by anxiety and uncertainty, and it's understandable why you're feeling this way. Perhaps talking to a counselor could help you sort through these feelings and give you some clarity on how to proceed with your relationship or even with yourself.
The age difference and the changing dynamics in your relationship seem to have created a lot of tension. It's clear that you're deeply invested in him, but it's also important to recognize your own worth and needs. Maybe it's time to step back and evaluate if the relationship is healthy for you. It's okay to want a future with someone, but it's also crucial that you feel secure and valued in the present.