So alone in 10 year relationship
I have been feeling increasingly miserable, sad, and lonely. My partner and I have been together for ten years and he proposed three months ago, but recently I have been struggling with a lot of doubt and sadness.
My partner works most evenings and many weekends. I understand that he enjoys his work and that things are very busy for him, but I have been feeling like I don’t get enough quality time, connection, or shared experiences with him. I do have my own friends, family, and exercise, and I try to make plans and do things, but I still feel lonely because I miss experiencing life with him.
Something I am struggling with is that the sadness doesn’t only happen when I’m alone or when I’m thinking about the relationship. I feel sad most of the time, even when I do try to go out, see friends or family, or do things that I would normally enjoy. I often find that I can’t fully enjoy those moments because I still feel low inside. When I look back on things I have done or memories we have made, I often don’t feel happiness or excitement, I feel sadness or regret instead.
When I try to express with him that I’m feeling lonely or wanting more time together, he often responds by saying things like, “What do you want me to say? I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’m sorry it’s manic at the moment.” I understand that he feels under pressure and that his work situation may be genuinely difficult, but I often come away feeling unheard and as though my feelings are a burden. In the past we both agreed to spend less time on phones before bed and actually talk to each other and to make time for one date night a week, but this time he doesn’t even seem like he can be bothered to do that. I think he’s fed up with me being miserable so is pulling away from me and not wanting to spend any time together.
The proposal has also been something I have been thinking about a lot. I know we have been together for a long time and that he chose to propose, but if I’m honest the whole engagement and planning a wedding hasn’t felt exciting like everyone says it should be a time to enjoy. Because we’ve barely spent any time together.
I have been crying a lot and feel miserable most of the time. I would like help understanding whether this is mainly about the relationship dynamic, whether I am experiencing something affecting my overall mood, or whether both things are contributing.
Hey @powerfulCup104, thank you so much for sharing and I'm glad you are here. It sounds like you've been carrying a lot of sadness and confusion lately, and I'm sorry you are going through this. Being in a long-term relationship and suddenly feeling lonely, unheard or disconnected can be incredibly painful, especially when you've spent years building a life together.
I can tell how much you miss experiencing life with him. You're doing all the 'right' things (seeing friends, keeping active, spending time with family) but the loneliness is still there because you miss the connection with someone who matters so deeply to you. I can totally understand why that sadness would be present underneath everything, even moments that should feel enjoyable, and it makes sense you are feeling low most of the time.
It sounds like you've tried to express your feelings, and instead of feeling supported, you've come away feeling unheard or like your emotions are a burden. I can imagine that feels incredibly isolating. When someone responds 'I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place' it can make you feel like there's not space for your needs even though they're completely valid.
You're not alone in feeling this way, and it's okay to be unsure about what's causing the sadness, relationships and mental health often overlap in complicated ways. You're always welcome to talk it through in here or by connecting with a listener 1:1! 💜