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I am confused

User Profile: CutiePutotie07
CutiePutotie07 September 3rd, 2024

I recently ended a two-year relationship with my now ex-boyfriend, and I’d like to hear others' opinions because I’m feeling very confused. I’m not sure exactly where to start, but I’ll try my best to explain the situation. It is my first relationship that lasted years btw and my ex boyfriend had history of depression, just an info for better understanding.

So yeah for the most part, our relationship was fine. However, things started to change when I went on vacation. I was extremely busy traveling and, while I still communicated with him, I wasn’t able to give him as much attention as I normally would. We used to call each other every day, but during my trip, it became difficult to maintain that routine. We didn’t have any calls for about three or four days, partly because of my hectic schedule and partly due to internet connectivity issues.

When I returned from my vacation, we finally had a call, and during the conversation, I said something that I meant sincerely, but he seemed to interpret it differently. He then started bringing up things from the past that he was upset about, things I wasn’t even aware had bothered him. The conversation got pretty intense as we both started sharing feelings and grievances from the past. It was clear that we were both hurt and confused. We decided to end the call and take some time apart to think about everything. The next day when we talked again, he confirmed that we were breaking up. 

 week later, we met in person to have a heart-to-heart conversation about everything that had happened. We discussed our feelings, past misunderstandings, and things we were upset about but hadn’t communicated before. It seemed like we understood each other better after that talk, but it left me feeling even more confused. 

He told me he still loves me but wants to focus on his university studies first which I totally understand. But he said he isn’t ready for a relationship right now anymore but would still like to stay in touch and have me in his life or more like he wants us to stay friends which is okay for me. He said he values my companionship and care, but he’s not prepared to be in a relationship anymore but still says he loves me and don't even really want to break up at all but due to all the things he has to do, he can't handle to have a girlfriend. 

I understand that he needs to focus on his university work, but I’m struggling with what this means for me. I don’t know what to believe or how to move forward. He says he loves me but isn’t ready for a relationship—how do I make sense of that? He's starting to get depression again for all of this which makes me even more concern for him.

I'm looking for some clarity and would appreciate any insights or advice on how to navigate this situation. 
2
User Profile: toughTiger6481
toughTiger6481 September 7th, 2024

@CutiePutotie07

Maybe he became stressed out with the idea of like your vacation things could interrupt his normal interaction became upset and covers with we can be friends but not ready for a girlfriend....

The focus on studies is important but I feel this may be a defensive move so he does not get hurt.... depression is something in my life that comes and goes never "cured" so perhaps he is cycling into one.... and does not want you to go thru it too ... I wish people would communicate clearly so others are not confused or trying to guess at the meaning of things.... i think it is hard to sit on sidelines and be his friend until he decided he wants to resume a relationship and not fair to you if he is just keeping you close as a safety net of someone to rely on.