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Novalee07
1 695 M Little Steps
PathStep 1 Compassion hearts44 Forum posts13 Forum upvotes20 Current upvotes20 Age GroupAdult Last activeSeptember, 2025 Member sinceJune 27, 2025
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3:46 am
Relationship Stress / by Novalee07
Last post
 July 17th, 2025
...See more It’s 3:46 a.m. And I’m lying next to a man who used to be my husband. Now, he feels like a stranger. My heart pounds in the dark, my stomach twisted tight. Breath catches in my throat this ache has no words, only weight. I crave freedom. Not just from him, but from the cage I helped build out of hope, silence, and promises that never came true. Why didn’t I see it? Why did I hold on so tightly to something that never held me? Twenty years later, I sit in the quiet, but I am no longer asleep. My eyes are wide open now. I once thought it was impossible to detach from someone I swore was my forever. But look at me, One foot out the door. One hand reaching for the light. I will not be afraid to choose myself anymore. I will not be afraid to begin again. I am ready to return to me. To be fearless. To take back what was always mine, My voice. My heart. My life.
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Need to vent
Relationship Stress / by Novalee07
Last post
 July 12th, 2025
...See more Hello everyone, I’m here today because I need to vent. I just returned two days ago from a two-week vacation, and now I’m back to simply coexisting with my husband of 20 years. During the trip, I was able to clear my mind and made the decision to start prioritizing myself and I’ve been doing that. But truthfully, I’m feeling really lonely. I miss being held. For the past month and a half, there’s been no emotional or physical connection between us. I think I just needed to get this out, so I don’t end up doing something I’ll regret like trying to get his attention in ways that aren’t healthy for me. Thanks for listening.
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Needing some advice
Relationship Stress / by Novalee07
Last post
 July 7th, 2025
...See more Hello everyone, I could use a little advice. I’ve been away visiting family for the past two weeks, and now I’m preparing to return home and to face my husband. We’ve been married for 20 years, but our relationship is essentially over. While I’ve been away, I’ve had some time to reflect. I’ve started putting myself first and working on my personal growth. It’s become clear to me just how emotionally drained I’ve been in this marriage. Looking back, I think I either ignored or didn’t recognize the narcissistic traits he was showing. He’s always demanded that I “communicate better” or “express myself more,” even though I’ve truly tried my best. Now that I’m going home, I know he’s going to question me asking what I’ve been thinking, how I’m working on myself, and what my next steps are. And honestly, that makes me anxious. I don’t feel emotionally safe with him, and I’m not ready to be vulnerable in that environment. But if I say nothing, I know it’ll only escalate things. I’m feeling really unsure right now and not sure how to handle what’s coming.
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My 20 year old marriage might be over.
Relationship Stress / by Novalee07
Last post
 June 28th, 2025
...See more Hi everyone, I’ve been feeling really anxious and lost lately, and I wanted to open up here because I’m struggling. I’ve been with my husband for 20 years, and he tells me that I lack communication and that he’s tired of it. He wants more from me emotionally, but the truth is, I don’t know how to give more right now. I feel like I’ve already been trying, but it’s never enough for him. He says I don’t go deep enough with my emotions, even though I feel like I do. Lately, it’s gotten to the point where I no longer feel emotionally safe with him. I’m scared of what leaving might look like, I have three kids to support and the future feels so uncertain. At the same time, I’m exhausted from being made to feel stupid and small. My self-esteem is so low right now. I know deep down I deserve to be accepted for who I am, but it’s hard to hold onto that belief. He tells me I need to work on myself to find happiness—but right now, I don’t even know where to start. I’m reaching out here because I don’t want to feel so alone in this anymore. Thank you for listening.
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