I’m really stuck. I’ve been unhappy for years and we’ve done couple’s therapy and tried to reconnect, but it’s just not enough.
I have a bad habit of feeling guilty and responsible for everything and I just can’t see a future where I hurt my partner so badly. I don’t know how to sever myself from the relationship and alllllll of the stuff and responsibilities. My partner slacked off when it came to college internships so they’ve been unemployed for years, and now finally found a fast food job. But that means that if I leave, they’re done for. They can’t pay the mortgage alone, nevertheless the bills or food. They also mentioned in our therapy that their greatest fear is divorce and I don’t know if that’s because they’re still so attached to me or if it’s the fear of having to make it on their own.
How do I uproot their entire life over my unhappiness? That just doesn’t seem like something I could possibly do… but I can’t stay here, I’m withering away.
Help?
Talk to a therapist by yourself. Don’t ask random strangers on the Internet.
Just to weigh in for once, since this is a common reply… That is certainly correct. But I think most people already know. Nonetheless, for some reason they still decide to ask strangers on the internet. I believe some people have their own reasoning behind that. I guess I just wanted to say that. Ultimately it’s not wrong to point out this is just a random and biased crowd of people who supposedly spend too much time on the internet. Some people also need to hear that.
I mean it’s not that I’m not looking for a therapist (it’s been a hassle), but it’s a lot of validation in an anonymous sense that make the internet strangers worth it for asking.
Besides, being vulnerable in text is a lot easier than in person. Not to sound cagey or defensive, but alas
Yeah 500% this. We are not qualified to help you. You need a professional to help YOU, not just you and your partner.