Asking
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Staying in a relationship I know isn’t right, just to not be alone?

I’m in a relationship with my partner of 7 years, and lately, I’ve been feeling more and more isolated, even though I’m not technically “alone.” Emotionally, I feel like I am.

I live near my mom and three sisters, but I don’t really have their support either. They’ve always seen me as the strong one, the one who can handle anything. So when I’m struggling or hurting, it’s like they just assume I’ll be fine and don’t check in. It makes me feel unseen and emotionally dismissed.

When I try to lean on my partner, especially during tough times with family or life in general, he tends to get annoyed or shut down. He doesn’t offer emotional support, and it’s becoming clearer that I’m in this relationship alone, even though we’re together. I feel like he is more disconnected than ever before.

What’s complicated is that I’ve been divorced before, and I think a part of me is scared to “fail” again. I’ve been trying to make this work, but deep down I know it’s not a healthy or fulfilling relationship. I think I’m staying out of fear…fear of being truly alone.

Has anyone else felt this way? Like you’re clinging to something you know isn’t right, just so you’re not alone? How did you find the strength to let go and put yourself first?
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
James25 · 61-69, M
I think that you have answered your own question. To have the strength to let go and put yourself first. If your family and your partner don't recognize the need to help you then you need to help yourself. You need to seek a relationship where there is a willingness to help each other. You need to recognize within the beginning of a relationship whether there is a willingness to help each other. This may be difficult for you to recognize. But you must learn to recognize the truth of the relationship within its beginning stages so as to not to make the same mistakes again.

The other thing you can do is try and have a more meaningful conversation with your family to help them understand that sometimes you need their help.