Two of my colleagues turned a polite conversation into an intervention today. They asked loaded questions and then mirrored them back at me. I know what they are saying. I know it to be true. I am NOT being treated fairly. He is NOT meeting me even a 1/3 of the way. He is NOT considering me at all in anything. I do know this. When I laid awake last night after masturbating and found myself suddenly crying because I have someone 3 miles away whom I have a supposed romantic relationship with but I realized that I masturbate far more than I have sex with this person whom I care very much for, that was when I felt truly kicked in the gut. I deleted his contact from my phone. Yes, he can still text, and I can still respond, but it makes it harder. He has texted me twice today. I refuse to respond. He needs to make some decisions now. We had an email exchange last evening that ended with my explaining that it is, in part, his imperfection, his human flaws, that make me care as much as I do. That his scars, his grey hair, the chronic lateness, all of these things add to who he is, and that is ok. We are not perfect, we are human, and not only do I care regardless, but I care because of it all. I know he has read it. His texts came after, which means he wasn’t scared away by my message, but was he moved at all?
In thinking of all of this, I have decided on some requirements for myself. Things I need at this point, nearly 7 months from when we met. These are:
- The texting/phone call ration needs to change. I want to hear his voice, not read his thoughts, for at least 10 minutes each day. Even a check in, how are you doing, how was your day, type of call.
- He needs to commit to a weekend somewhere with me. We have planned several, only to have them fall apart. I have made plans, taken days off work, arranged dog care.
- Our hangouts need to be more date, less sex focused. I love the sex, but I want some romance. I want to be wooed.
- We need to have more sex. We are both tired. We both have responsibilities and lives that wear us out, but I want that intimacy. We both deserve and need it. Give me a 10 minute quickie topped off with sleep. I’m not asking for marathon encounters here. I’m just putting value on taking anytime to connect sexually with each other.
- Laying off the okcupid site. I can’t handle it. I need sexual exclusivity and to know that when he looks at me, he sees me and isn’t looking over our shoulders for what else might be out there. Until he can give me the attention and try to put himself out there, I’ll always be half a person to him. I deserve more.
So, those are my personal requirements, which may very well change as I consider what all of this is. I know that I am being played the fool. I can feel that. I am also very aware that this is a self-created issue because I didn’t have the conversation months earlier, before I realized I was in love with him. At what point does patience and belief/love in another become a pathetic nose dive into martyrdom?
I like the brevity with which you are able to convey complex emotions/situations – you are clearly a very skilled writer, and I’ve enjoyed reading this blog since being introduced to it recently. On to type geek issues – they say hindsight is 20/20, and so very true that is. I could suggest to you (perhaps like your co-workers) that dumping him seems to be the best solution, but you will likely (and rightly) not pay heed. I was in a similar situation a few years ago, I didn’t listen to those voices either — I needed to traverse the messy, painful path myself and no well-meaning advice could replace the huge amount of self-learning that I underwent as a result of my choice. It’s just the way it is, I think. So I guess what I’m saying is that you’ve probably already figured this out yourself (when you say he’s not meeting you even one-third of the way etc)….that given his lack of empathy and frankly respect for you, the future of this relationship appears very shaky. But hey, you’re the one in it and closest to it, so keep doing what your gut tells you to do. It will resolve itself one way or the other soon. Just do what you can to ensure that you come out of this situation (whichever way it resolves itself) relatively scar-free. All the best, and a big hug.
Thank you for ALL the kind words. (and the hug!)