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submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by Blu@sopuli.xyz to c/relationship_advice@lemmy.world

Edit: Last night she attempted suicide. I was in the living room while she was showering. She got out of the shower, went to the bedroom, and about 10 minutes later I heard her call my name. She was holding a large handful of her medicine in one hand, and the bottle in the other. She told me she almost took it, but decided to get help instead. Suffice to say, both of us are dealing with a lot right now. She asked me not to tell anyone, but I am trying to persuade her to get mental healthcare.

So yesterday morning, while my girlfriend and I were sleeping in our new apartment, we heard some rustling at the door. This was around 8 AM or so. I heard him call out "maintenance" very faintly from the other side of the door.

I was partially awake and called out to the guy after glancing my gf's way in a "is this guy for real?" look.

Guy apologized and left the apartment after he heard me. At the time, she said she was "glad I was there".

I spoke to him later and he apologized profusely and said he wasn't aware someone had moved in already. I figured that would be the end of it. No harm, no foul.

Last night, my girlfriend informed me that I didn't handle that correctly. She said her dad would've been up and ready to fight the guy, and that by glancing her way I must've been asking her to protect me.

Despite us discussing a proposal now that we're 2 years in, she let me know she doesn't think I should "this year, but that she may change her mind".

I'm honestly baffled. Was I supposed to shoot the maintenance man or something?

It has me reconsidering the relationship. One perceived mistake--that I honestly think I handled fine--and she's putting our plans on ice.

She's been mean leading up to this. She blames her cycle (and apologizes each time), but it's a pretty extreme mood shift for a few days each month. So part of me wonders if these 2 things are related, and she'll regret saying that to me. Another part wonders if I should forgive her in the first place.

What do y'all think? How big of a mess am I in?

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[-] TheBananaKing@lemmy.world 99 points 10 months ago

Reading this thread variously - honestly, your relationship sounds exhausting.

It's taking more from you than it's giving back. Regular blowups followed by patch-ups that leave you back where you started, with nothing but fallout and pain to show for it.

She fucks up, but is simultaneously too fragile and yet too able to hold you hostage to be held accountable; somehow you're the one that has to earn your way back into her good graces, and you dare not upset the apple art by trying to change the dynamic or, god forbid, assert some boundaries along the way.

Rinse and repeat until it leaches the calcium right out of your damn bones.

Look, I get it. Anxiety disorders are no fun, mental illness isn't the fault of the person who has it, and I have no doubt that she's a wonderful person overall.

But you're not getting paid for this. You're not her carer, you're not her parent, it's not your job to clean up after her your whole life.

Would you take on that role for someone with stabyouintheface-itis, a condition that caused an otherwise lovely person to stab you in the face every month or two, entirely outside of their control or intent?

Hard pass, am I right? Not their fault, but not your job, so no. The impact of this one is lesser, but the principle is the same.

And yes, people can change and adapt and do better. Supposedly, at least - I haven't seen it myself.

In the meantime, you deserve better things in your life than just pissing it away down someone else's crazyhole.

Be by yourself, or be with someone who doesn't take all your emotional resources just to break even. If your gf eventually manages to turn it around and get in better control of it, such that you can both benefit from the relationship, then great.

But until then, it's just wearing you down and not filling her up. With the best will in the world towards her, you should go elsewhere.

[-] arquebus_x@kbin.social 14 points 10 months ago
[-] Blu@sopuli.xyz 6 points 10 months ago

I thought you were really insightful and I just wanted to give you an update because, if I was lost before, I'm really fucking lost now.

Last night she attempted suicide. I am reading these from my couch while we sort out what the fuck to do.

She went to the bedroom while I was reading on the couch around 8:30 after she took a shower. Within 5-10 minutes she called my name. I came in and she had a bottle.of her pills in one hand, and enough of them to kill a horse in the other.

She was shaking, but pretty numb when I gently took the bottle and pills out of her hands and held her. It took probably another 15-20 minutes for her to say anything else. Then she started sobbing.

This is the first time I've witnessed a suicide attempt, so I'm shaken up.

Anyway, thank you for the advice. It was thought provoking and I'm going to pick my way through it while I cope.

[-] Technoguyfication@sh.itjust.works 18 points 10 months ago

Brother, I’m sorry to say but I think you need to get out of that situation. Right now. I’ve been in a relationship like that and it never ends well.

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[-] snooggums@kbin.social 73 points 10 months ago

I think the maintenance man just reminded you that your girlfriend is a terrible person.

[-] PlasmaDistortion@lemm.ee 15 points 10 months ago

And he just helped you dodge a serious bullet. Buy that dude a drink.

[-] someguy3@lemmy.world 71 points 10 months ago

I'm a little baffled that after hearing "maintenance" that she expects you to be in fight mode. Granted it could be a ruse, but really?

So I have to ask, is she always in this mode that everything everywhere is a threat? If so I think she needs therapy.

[-] NegativeLookBehind@kbin.social 35 points 10 months ago

“Dominos!”

Loads 12 gauge

[-] Anticorp@lemmy.world 7 points 10 months ago

Wrong house, motherfucker! Oh wait, my boyfriend ordered pizza. Right house. My bad!

[-] Blu@sopuli.xyz 25 points 10 months ago

She grew up in a dangerous environment. In a lot of ways, she's always in fight or flight mode. Usually fight.

It's something she is getting treated for. She's on an anxiety med and visits a therapist once a month, but between that and a very stressful job, she's worn down.

It's a really complex situation all around and I don't know of a straightforward way to deal with it.

[-] surewhynotlem@lemmy.world 42 points 10 months ago

It sounds like the real issue is that you're reconsidering if managing her current mental illness is still worth it. It's a valid question. You do need to make sure you're in a relationship that is good for both of you. But if you know she has this issue, and know that's the cause of her problems, you should be able to talk through it.

[-] Landmammals@lemmy.world 22 points 10 months ago

Approaching every situation in "fight mode" is often what turns mundane interactions dangerous.

She needs to realize the value of being able to keep a level head and assess situations.

[-] Chriswild@lemmy.world 8 points 10 months ago

Or she needs a dog to feel safe not this toxic masculinity shit. Men aren't your eternal protector, they're people who can be scared or confused.

[-] Anticorp@lemmy.world 8 points 10 months ago
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[-] someguy3@lemmy.world 10 points 10 months ago

Well there you go. People online are quick to say breakup but I'm not. I think this is a learning experience for her, and for you a bit on her mindset. She needs to get her fears under some control. But it can be hardwired so sometimes we have to play along and stand between her and strangers so she feels safe (but still unpack it later).

[-] Deceptichum@kbin.social 11 points 10 months ago

That’s not the issue.

The issue is she blamed her partner for not doing anything wrong. And held up the wedding above his head like a threat. Has she even apologised yet?

[-] someguy3@lemmy.world 7 points 10 months ago

Yes she needs to unpack this in therapy. Her thoughts after aren't in line, but the root of this whole thing is the/her reaction to the door.

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[-] EldritchFeminity@lemmy.blahaj.zone 7 points 10 months ago

Having read the rest of the comments, the way she grew up sticks out to me. I obviously don't know the details, nor should I know them, but you said she grew up in a dangerous environment, and she compared your response to her father. The question I have is, "Would being like her father be a good thing?"

I don't have any context, and maybe her dad was a pillar of safety and stability in her life, but my first thought was what if he had been part of the problem, and either way, I think that's something that's worth looking into for both you and her. Is she unconsciously seeking the bad parts of her past, or does she equate that kind of aggression with a sense of safety? Or maybe none of the above. Regardless of the answer, I think getting to the bottom of that response could help you both move forward, in whatever direction that ends up being.

[-] gibmiser@lemmy.world 7 points 10 months ago

If she is getting treatment for it maybe see if they will let you sit in on a session to discuss what happened. I'm sure that isn't your idea of a good time, but a (hopefully) neutral 3rd party can help you diffuse emotions and try to be objective.

[-] Agent641@lemmy.world 38 points 10 months ago

She wants out, and is using this as an excuse to drive a wedge.

[-] Track_Shovel@slrpnk.net 37 points 10 months ago

Fly, you fool

[-] TheSanSabaSongbird@lemdro.id 26 points 10 months ago

Seems like a red flag to me.

Maybe it's not a deal-breaker in and of itself, but if you get many more of these, you probably want to cut your losses and move on.

Take it from an old guy who's learned this shit the hard way.

In my experience it's the case that if someone shows you that they are crazy or psychologically maladjusted, there's very little that you can do about it as their romantic partner.

I don't say that people can't change, only that it's almost never going to happen when they are already in a relationship with you and exhibiting weird and abusive behavior such as what you describe.

That said, in all honesty I think you might want to at least consider getting out now. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be.

Again, I'm an old guy in his 50s and I have seen and been through some shit over the years. That doesn't mean that I'm somehow magically "right," but it does mean that I have some perspective on these things.

Take it for whatever you think it's worth.

[-] shasta@lemm.ee 8 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

As a 33 year old man who has had his own share of years in abusive/manipulative relationships, I second this guy's opinion. The things she said is not the kind of thing you can brush off as a "heat of the moment, on my period" thing. Maybe the fact that she said it is, but she would've been thinking it regardless, which is the problem. She has a toxic view of masculinity, apparently because her dad exhibits these traits, and for some reason she wants a guy just like that. You actually sound like a well-adjusted person who doesn't feel the need to violently assault someone without having all the facts, in order to assert dominance. Unfortunately, that's not what she wants.

Also, it sounds like her reaction in this situation may be coming from a place of trauma. Has she been assaulted in her past? It is weird that a maintenance guy entering the apartment would trigger her to seek protection. Seems like there may be more to that part of her story. In that case, if you can convince her to seek help from a therapist, this all might just go away.

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[-] inclementimmigrant@lemmy.world 22 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

I think it's still worth trying to see if she really feels like she wanted you to be more concerned for her safety and maybe yelled at the guy or did she really want you to go full murder hobo on an innocent human.

However, the extreme mood shift and being abusive to you and her doing fuck all to break that cycle where she's not being a dick to you every damn month, well I think that really needs to be addressed and you need to decide if you're actually going to be okay with being treated badly every month for t he rest of your life.

The other elephant in the room is that do you want to spend the rest of your life with a person who's feelings will turn on you the minute things get a little tough? I mean you not wanting to murder someone leads to her falling out of love with you that fast? Really man, take a good long look at your two years together, maybe hash it out with a friend and get a outside look at things to get a full picture of if this is really what you want for the rest of your life.

[-] Asafum@feddit.nl 4 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

I've been single for almost a decade now and it's partially because I don't deal with this kind of bullshit.

Love and respect go hand in hand, you don't respect me then you don't love me you're just using words you think you should say. While words are cheap, actions speak volumes.

I'm by no means whatsoever the most desirable guy, but I'll never be with a person I don't love or who doesn't love me. A lack of respect is a major lack of consideration to me and a major turn off.

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[-] riodoro1@lemmy.world 20 points 10 months ago

she doesn't think I should "this year, but that she may change her mind".

Wow, she’s so generous, she might still LET you propose to her. Life and relationship is never about one person fulfilling a role for another. She basically wants you to be a knight to her princess. You can’t ever have needs or fears of your own, because she simply is higher up in this relationship. You need to EARN her love.

You don’t want to deal with an entitled person everyday, thats called retail work and people don’t like it.

[-] BigTrout75@lemmy.world 18 points 10 months ago

Hey, from one married person. This behavior probably won't change. Should ask yourself if "This is it?". Not saying to leave just saying to consider if your can handle the ups and downs. Best of luck.

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[-] cyborganism@lemmy.ca 18 points 10 months ago

Check if she had bpd. Borderline personality disorder.

[-] Maalus@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago

Don't play internet psychiatrist and recommend disorders like you are giving out candy...

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[-] Thorny_Insight@lemm.ee 17 points 10 months ago

I think her recommendation to not propose yet is a solid one. I'm not the one to shout red flag and leave her as I know nothing about you two's backgrounds but that certainly is a little sus on her part.

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[-] Anticorp@lemmy.world 17 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Yes. You should have shot him, and then spread his blood across your face as a sign of dominance, and then taken your girlfriend in a passionate display of power.

Come on. Really? Tell her to chill the fuck out. You would have fought if fighting was required, but it obviously wasn't. If she continues making an issue of it then ask her to seek counseling or something. Or I guess just assure her that you'll keep her and your home safe from all real threats. Get a baseball bat and a can of bear spray and let her know it's to protect her. I'm not very good at this. Maybe take some of the other advice here.

[-] marx2k@lemmy.world 17 points 10 months ago

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

[-] pjwestin@lemmy.world 16 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Yeah, there are a lot of red flags here. As you mentioned, she's willing to throw away a two-year relationship with someone she was considering marrying because of a look. On top of that, she seems to measure your masculinity by how quickly you become aggressive, which is a huge problem (unless you want to spend the rest of your life fighting every guy that looks at her). Also, the way she's framing delaying the proposal sounds like it's meant to hurt you (though I wasn't there, so you'd know better than me).

It's your relationship, so I'm not gonna tell you what to do, but you're not crazy, her reaction was not normal. You've also put two years into this relationship, so I wouldn't be too quick to throw that away either, but if you don't like how you're being treated you shouldn't disregard that. If I were you I would sit down, think about what you want and what you won't put up with, and then talk to her.

[-] GBU_28@lemm.ee 14 points 10 months ago

You have a gift right now because you have a girlfriend, not a wife. Don't rush in giving that gift up.

[-] magnetosphere@kbin.social 13 points 10 months ago

I’ve been in relationships (both romantic and non) where I feel like I’m walking on eggshells all the time. It’s become something that I’m very aware of, and avoid whenever possible.

Being sensitive and empathetic is one thing. Constantly feeling like you’re at risk of setting off a bomb is something else entirely.

I’m sorry she has issues and a difficult past. However, those things aren’t your fault. It’s not selfish of you to consider your own wants and needs, especially when choosing a life partner. Even if this particular situation works out “well”, the fact that it happened at all is a major warning sign.

She seems to take your affection for granted, and assume that you’ll always be desperate to please her. She thinks she can ignore your needs, hurt you, and you’ll always come back and gratefully accept whatever she’s willing to give. Living that way will crush you entirely. Further, by constantly bowing to her will, she will lose all respect for you - assuming she has any in the first place, that is.

This doesn’t sound like a healthy relationship. You deserve better… you may not think so, but you do.

[-] Quereller@lemmy.one 8 points 10 months ago

What a sexist, despicable attitude. She is as responsible for security and defense as you are.

[-] Stanley_Pain@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 10 months ago

Instead of talking to random idiots on the Internet have a real adult conversation with her. If she can't even do that then that would be a problem.

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[-] ivanafterall@kbin.social 8 points 10 months ago

Speaking purely in generalities (that may not apply), I have dated/married women who were like this. Potential "fun" situations may or may not include: her initiating fights with/between other guys so that you'll defend her (or to get things from them), her looking down on you/treating you differently when you share any weakness/doubt with her, etc. There are, in fact, women who believe a man should never cry. Just as men can internalize toxic shit and become awful to live with, plenty of women do the same.

You don't want to be with someone for whom you feel you need to wear a mask 100% of the time. It's exhausting. Furthermore, it'd be one thing if this were just a "concern" that she discussed with you, but if this truly took her from zero-to-existential relationship crisis, ask yourself what that will be like in two more years when the excitement has really and truly worn off.

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[-] GrammatonCleric@lemmy.world 8 points 10 months ago

Cut your losses and find someone who doesn't do that.

[-] Blu@sopuli.xyz 6 points 10 months ago

Yeah, I am starting to wonder if that's the right call. We've had a great relationship for the most part, but while I forgive and move on from her minor mistakes--with the understanding that people fuck up sometimes and a sincere apology and effort to fix it going forward is sufficient--she's far less inclined to do that.

It has gradually resulted in an imbalanced relationship, where she does stuff like this and I don't. I've supported her through some tough stuff, yah know? And I feel like all that sacrifice got discarded because of a 10 second run in with some HVAC guy.

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[-] licherally@lemmy.world 7 points 10 months ago

Ask her if you should get a shotgun and point it at the door anytime you hear human life on the other side. Hopefully at that point it will become clear that this is a stupid thing to do, and you can both move on.

Also, depending on how much she harps on this, definitely a red flag.

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[-] drippypickle@lemmynsfw.com 7 points 10 months ago

Two things. One, she needs help I agree. Two, this sounds really manipulative and suspect. Proceed with caution. I'm not sure sticking this one out is a good call.

[-] Strawberry@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 10 months ago

Fuck that patriarchal bullshit, dump her

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this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2024
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