How to leave him!
@princess111281 (39)
United States
December 2, 2006 2:48pm CST
I have been in this relationship for about 7 years now. We have a 4 year old daughter together and she is a blessing for me. I just recently turned 25 years old and I am confused on what I should do. This relatioship is really going nowhere and we clash all the time. I have been with this man for so long that I don't know how to leave. Even though I am not happy in this relatioship he still keeps me going day by day. This is becuas I am struggling to get by. My daughter and I live with a friend right now and I struggle to make ends meet. I am unhappy with where I am at in this point in life. He just gives me relief that I have someone who knows me in my life. I see him just about everyday and I would feel lost without him because I know no better. All my friends are into their own lives so I have nothing else to do. I'm scared to be alone. How can I let it go. We say we are over but then he calls me and we are back to normal. It just kills me to picture him intimate with someone else. I need a little advice please.
12 people like this
133 responses
@JoMo23 (50)
• United States
2 Dec 06
If you aren't happy, the relationship isn't going anywhere and the only reason you stay with him is because you are afraid of being 'alone' then you've got a problem. Being 'alone' isn't the end of the world. It sounds as though this man has literally dragged you down, you need to get away from him, get some self-confidence and get on with your life.
5 people like this
@NEWYORRICANNENA (1)
• United States
3 Dec 06
I agree with this comment whay you need to do is get some self esteem and then you can go on with your life and find somene better
1 person likes this
@meljessxena (2315)
• Australia
3 Dec 06
i agree with this comment too, i know a few people in the same position as you.
1 person likes this
@cachitodemialma (1313)
• United States
2 Dec 06
Honey you've already admitted the obvious, now you just need the strength todo it! If you are living with a friend now cut him off emotionally. As hard as it maybe you need todo whats best for you and your daughther. You do not have to keep him out of her life but you need to cut him off from your emotions. Do not be afraid of being alone. The right person is out there. I left my ex husband after 6 years and 2 children. I couldnt take it anymore and left. I went back to school, I got a job I did GREAT! I felt so alive again I was happy I even lost 60 pounds without even trying! I looked and felt amazing. I was on my own and was ok with it. I didnt worry anymore. Eventually I met a guy and we hit it off and now almost 7 years later & 2 kids later we are happy and in love and one big happy family! Its ok darlin you will be ok. Be strong. You dont need a man in your life to make you. You can do it! If you want to hun message me and we can exchange emails. Ive been where you are and I was only 19 years old. You can do iT!
4 people like this
@linns31 (213)
• United States
3 Dec 06
I agree with her. You need to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get on with your life, if not for you then for your daughter. Think of what you are teaching her about relationships. I know it is hard starting over in life but you need to sit down and think of what lessons you are teaching your daughter by your actions. Think of how proud of you she will be if you back to school and get a good job and do it by yourself. She will learn that she doesn't have to have someone take of her she can do it on her own. I only say this because I look at how I am in relationships and I think it due to what I saw growing up with my mother and her relationships with men when I was young. I don't mean to scare you or make it sound like I am saying you are a bad person in any way. I don't know you are the situation you are in but I am just trying to give advise from a different perspective.
1 person likes this
@princess111281 (39)
• United States
3 Dec 06
thanks for the advice. I am feeling better. Today is the first day that we are not together. Tomarrow is a new day so we will see how that goes.
@nascar8fan (742)
• United States
3 Dec 06
One of the first things you need to do is take a look at how you feel about your situation and how you feel about this guy. Do you love him?? Does he love you? I know you said it kills you to picture him with someone else, how does he feel? Does it hurt him to see or think of you with someone else?? Just something to think about.. Hope it helps.
2 people like this
@kaspyv (1011)
• United States
2 Dec 06
hun, you know what you need to do so you should just do it! I understand that you are afraid to be alone and I know its hard ..I went through the same feelings before and what I finally realized is that before I could find someone that would truly love me and care for me , I would have to be alone, because until you are alone you don't realize that you don't need someone to take care of you. you are an adult with a child to care for that should be the most important thing in your life. you will never know how strong you are until you get out of this relationship and move on with your life...good luck!
2 people like this
@rakinitin (685)
• Canada
3 Dec 06
It sounds like you already know what the issues are and how to solve them. You just need to take that next step to cinch the deal. Get something new going in your life to fill up your time and feel like you have a life again. Not waiting for friends to get off work or family to find time for you. Something for you. A club, a league, a group, a lesson, anything that you would enjoy doing and actually look forward to going to. Create something to fill or replace him or what you think he gives you. You can do it. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@sweetpea_216 (1470)
• United States
3 Dec 06
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Everyone here has given some great advice. I suggest you ask and pray about it. That is if you believe in God. Pray for strength and to open up the heart of the man you want to leave. Do what's best for you and your daughter. Find out what YOU want!
2 people like this
@cloud_kicker_32 (4635)
• United States
3 Dec 06
well sweety..you and i both know that being with him really isnt an option unless you want to be unhappy forever,I was in your situation..and i struggled for some time when Sky was first born and it was just us..but i got used to it..and make ends meet..and were really happy.you were together for soo long that its gonna take a good amout of time to get used to being single again..thats all..you cant expect to be used to a big change like that over night..and when you get stable again..and there is always help for us single moms..u just have to look for it..then get on your feet..then eventually find the Mr right thats just waiting for you somewhere.it will be ok..just take some time..good luck!
@leonilyn (467)
• Philippines
4 Dec 06
if you think your relationship is going to nowhere then its useless of being together.. there are lots of good chances outside. try to be live without him then am sure youll be happy. if you think you really cant leave without him talk it over. if that does not work think 1million times..:)
@Dena33 (1533)
• Finland
5 Dec 06
First of all I should tell that you know better how to manage your life , nobody can solve your problem but YOU. If I were in your shoes I would try to be friend with him, to be closer to him and try to tell your feeling to him (I mean you start first to be friendly to him)you can write your feeling and ask him to write his for you.
Most of the problems are misunderstanding, believe me, just try to clear them and not to be in hurry to judje about every thing!! Try to forget bad feelings and remember good ones!!
I hope everything great for you!
@nobodyspecial (1011)
• United States
3 Dec 06
I think you need to work on you...I am hearing some self esteem issues here, along with dependence issues.
There is a book Codependent No More by Melody Beattie, which may be a good thing for you to read, maybe see if it is available at your local library.
You say you are struggling financially, have you looked into furthering your education? There are programs that will help you with things such as daycare and transportation. There are grants and student loans you can get. Social Services can help you with these things as can the Financial Aid office at most colleges and trade schools.
Taking time now to learn more about yourself and to improve your self esteem will pay off in the future for both you and your daughter.
1 person likes this
@MsBond (45)
• Canada
3 Dec 06
I think you should step out of your shoes and look at the situation from a third persons point of view, that way you know all the facts the good and the bad. think about this when you are NOT mad/sad/happy just when you feel average and you wont be bias. your daughter would probably want you to be happy even if you get a divorce, she will be mad at first but then when she thinks about it she will understand that happiness is more important then just having something/someone. You should do what feels best for you, it will suck at first that's why they call it a BREAK-up you are strong be you!
1 person likes this
@Allenjk (2)
• India
5 Dec 06
Hey Princess!! There is no need to feel sad at this moment as you still have a lot more to do in your life. You are very young just 25yrs old. I think you should have a serious chat with him one last time and try to clear up the situation between the two of you. Try to answer questions like will you be able to stay away from each other for the rest of your lives and if you can how would you like to do that, ask for suggestions from each other regarding the same. Let your daughter be the center of all the discussion. Decide whats best for her, coz she needs a loving family and a home where she longs to return from her school each day. Let her have the best childhood which she can share with and boast to future generations. Let her mom and dad not have a shameful past where she does not have anything positive to talk about them. I think you will definitely want the best life for your daughter and hence take time to set your priorities right both at home and at work. If you think you should consider moving into a new city or start looking for an understanding partner who will provide the best for both you and your daughter, think about it and before you make a decision, go to a Church nearby your home and talk to the Pastor over there who will definitely help you make the right desicion and pray over your problems. Get youself a Bible at the earliest if you think you need even more guidance. I am basically not very religious but still The Holy Bible helped me make a lot of decisions in my life which gave me great results. So find sometime for yourself and start visiting your church regularly and I am sure you will find the answers for all the questions on your mind at the Church, only if you earnestly seek help. Trust God and not Men in this world. God will surely Bless you and you daughter.
@Robintheking (21)
• India
8 Dec 06
Hi. Though i'm not that much old to advice u, let me tell u what i think. Decied very carefully coz this decission not only influence u but also ur child. And also keep in mind that Ur child is in the just growing stage. so what ever happens in her life now will remain in her mind and also influence her personality in both physical and moral life. Though u have many desires(as being young) u got to sacrifice something for ur child.
Just Pray to GOD and decide.
Peace be with u.
@unisis (1673)
• Indonesia
4 Dec 06
If you are not happy with him,and the relationship is not going anywhere and the only reason you stay with him is because you are afraid of being alone then you will have got a problem.if you considered your daughter you must get it and go with your daughter,also you state that you have another friend live with him you can go together right now , you need to get away from him, get some self-confidence and get on with your life, now you just need the strength todo it! If you are living with a friend now cut him off emotionally. As hard as it maybe you need todo whats best for you and your daughther. You do not have to keep him out of her life but you need to cut him off from your emotions. Do not be afraid of being alone. The right person is out there. i could not take it anymore and left.i felt so alive again ,i looked and felt amazing. I was on my own and was ok with it. I didnt worry anymore. we are happy and in love and one big happy family! be strong. You can do it!
@apollox13x (225)
• Italy
3 Dec 06
It is obvious that you are unhappy,you have to do an examination of your conscience and ask your self what is best for you and overall for your daughter.
If your relationship is going nowhere, well then it will take you nowhere.
You say you are scared to be alone, but if you are so unhappy with him you are
already alone so its better to move on and look for someone else, you are so cute
I think many guys would love to make you happy.
@vinaykant (812)
• India
4 Dec 06
do what ever you want , when you do this doyou ask any one i think o then why are you asking now?
go do it your self.
@muralimullapudi (157)
• India
3 Dec 06
I understand it is a sad phase in your life, but my advice would be just rethink how both of you are living your life. I guess in any relationship there is a phase where one person feels neglected by the other. There are times when you fight, when you hate each other, when you don't want to see each other....I have gone through all these, but my advise would be just hold on.......hold on just because your kid shouldn't feel she doesn't have a Dad, just because your kid needs love from both of you. Think over...sit across the table and talk openly with your partner...you will be able to sort it out. This is what I feel....if I have hurt any of your feelings, please forgive. I think life can be made positive by being positive!
@envyash (85)
• India
4 Dec 06
I believe that you should need someone because you love him. Unfortunately, it is often the other way round. We tend to love somebody out of need.
Excessive needs tend to weaken you emotionally and mentally. I suggest 10-15 min of meditation everyday so that you gain that strength. Writing a diary also helps - always make sure you list your achievements.
Try to avoid open confrontations in the first few weeks, just try to slowly increase the distance in the beginning. After that, once you feel strong, you can go for a confrontation if needed, and you will be capable of countering any attempts of emotional blackmail. All the best!
@envyash (85)
• India
4 Dec 06
I believe that you should need someone because you love him. Unfortunately, it is often the other way round. We tend to love somebody out of need.
Excessive needs tend to weaken you emotionally and mentally. I suggest 10-15 min of meditation everyday so that you gain that strength. Writing a diary also helps - always make sure you list your achievements.
Try to avoid open confrontations in the first few weeks, just try to slowly increase the distance in the beginning. After that, once you feel strong, you can go for a confrontation if needed, and you will be capable of countering any attempts of emotional blackmail. All the best!