See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

Savannaa

481d

(Long post, need relationship advice having to do with mental health) I essentially abused my (ex?) boyfriend for our entire relationship. (Verbally and manipulative). None of it was malicious, I do genuinely love him very dearly, as he is my best friend. I realized a change needed to be made and have worked tirelessly to fix it and heal our relationship. However recently, his dad (known to be quite manipulative and controlling) got onto my bf for being “self absorbed” over cooking a steak and making the house Smokey. As I left the room to save my bf the embarrassment, his dad came after me as well, calling me self absorbed too. Obviously, I was quite offended and took it as an attack on my character. He managed to convince my bf that I am this as well. None of my close friends and family agree, and they are all the type to call me out anyway if it were the case. It’s simply not true. On top of this, my bf can’t give me a consistent reason for why he’s not proposing to me after 3.5 years in the relationship (we are adults). At one time it was because I was manipulative, now it’s because he’s not ready. He’s made 0 preparations to become ready in the past 3.5 years. All of this combined resulted in my breaking up with him. Of course, I had morning after regret and called him drunk this morning begging for him back. Now we’re not broken up but “on a break” (insert Ross gif here) until Saturday after we’ve thought about the situation. I feel so conflicted. Did my mental illness and lack of self control doom the relationship? I know people with bipolar typically have difficulties maintaining stable relationships. As much as I feel he’s hurt me through all this, I have to think that it was possible that I caused it in the first place by being so mean early on. It’s possible I caused so much damage that he doesn’t even realize it and is now hesitant to marry me. If so, does anyone have any advice on how to either heal the relationship or end it and avoid causing similar problems in the future? Or is his dad just a cruel man intentionally causing issues between us? He does have a history of proving he doesn’t like me from the start. He didn’t agree with my bf dating so young (is 18 even young lol) and wouldn’t allow him to visit me in college. It’s just hard to tell what problems I’ve caused and what I haven’t because of my illness. Any advice would be well appreciated!

Top reply
    • Tofu14

      463d

      It sounds like there is a lot going on here. On Saturday have a good honest discussion. Actively listen, use i statements, etc. Might even be helpful to do a few DBT interpersonal communication worksheets. If you guys are able to get everything out there, communicate in a healthy way where both of your concerns are met, etc then it’s worth another go. The conversation probably isn’t going to be easy, but if it has those results, it’s worth giving things another go. If not throw the towel in on this one, lean in your support network and find a therapist if you don’t already see one. Hopefully things work out! Take care.

    • Pinkdreamer

      463d

      Time and distance can bring perspective. If you take some time apart, truly separate, for a month or two, you'll both know better what you want in life and in a relationship. Please don't wait around for a proposal. If he wants it, he'll tell you, and if not, then you'll have your answer.

    • Tofu14

      463d

      It sounds like there is a lot going on here. On Saturday have a good honest discussion. Actively listen, use i statements, etc. Might even be helpful to do a few DBT interpersonal communication worksheets. If you guys are able to get everything out there, communicate in a healthy way where both of your concerns are met, etc then it’s worth another go. The conversation probably isn’t going to be easy, but if it has those results, it’s worth giving things another go. If not throw the towel in on this one, lean in your support network and find a therapist if you don’t already see one. Hopefully things work out! Take care.

    • toebeabs

      464d

      Honestly from what it sounds like obviously I wasn't there but from what you mentioned it doesn't really sound like this was your fault or because of bipolar, it sounds like your bf hasn't really thought about marriage and his dad doesn't have the nicest feelings towards you and is manipulating his son into doing what he wants him to do. There's probably more to the story and I would hate to assume anything based off of one post but feel free to reach out if things haven't resolved themselves or you'd just like to talk about it more or just talk in general 😃

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

100% Free
100%
Free

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion