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Relationship Intimacy and emotional breakthrough?

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Referring to my previous post regarding my guy, recently he brought up the idea of visiting me after he is done with the experimentation phase of his PhD.

I was very puzzled but open to the idea. At first he said we should just meet up as friends for coffee and all. Then drifted off saying that he wouldn't be able to contain himself and he would want to kiss me and touch me. I got very shocked because..he had said explicitly before that he was suffering from emotional numbness and that he has no feelings currently.

He asked what would I like to do. I just replied I would like to make it memorable (since we are countries apart) and go a normal date. The topic drifted off to sex. And I firmly said that I am not sleeping with him. I need emotional intimacy before I can even think of it.
To which he answered he was of the same opinion and that sex is something where he would be giving himself 100%, no shutting down and mind going blank.

I was blunt enough to ask if he was being driven by lust or feelings. He wasn't offended by my question but calmly stated that if it had been lust, he has been living abroad for a decade now he could have just slept with anyone. As far as the feelings goes, he remained quiet for what seemed a long time saying he just didn't know what he was feeling, especially when he is overwhelmed with the pressure of his PhD. Should I be seeing this as some sort of emotional breakthrough?

Our meeting up is months away for now. But it got me thinking about a lot of things. I am afraid he might be just using me or something. After all he did say he couldn't commit to me for now. I just feel there is a lot of imbalance, mainly me being totally in love with him and him not being sure about his feelings. His actions though seem to scream he loves me. But I am not sure. I might be wrong.


A week ago he texted me at night, saying he was going through a strong depressive episode. I stayed up to listen to him. He didn't open up much apart from saying he had a lot on his plate and that the gravity of time was burdensome for him (he has to submit in his research by March)

I reassured him that I am not going anywhere. And that if he needs anything I am just a phone call away.

As he started on his work, he became increasingly distant, withdrawing. I reached out to him last night asking how he was holding up. He was emotionless at first, it took him an hour to warm up to me then was back to his cheerful old self talking about various things.

I feel he feels better when I reach out to him, or fuss over. The most reaction I have gotten from him is when he sees me getting mad at him over not taking care of his health etc.

I can't seem to understand when should I be giving him space and when I should be reaching out to him.

Should I even meet him when he comes to visit me?
Is this normal in PTSD?
 
I'm really confused.

He's going to come visit you and you'd possibly stand him up or not see hi...
I don't intend to stand him up. I am actually happy about meeting up. I wanted to see him for a long time.


The thing is just the way he brought up sex abruptly made me feel he just wants to meet me to get in my pants then abandon me by shutting me out.
 
Wait, you've never met him in real life?
We lived in the same city years ago when we werent dating used to see each other in mutual friend gatherings, he wasnt diagnosed with ptsd then. Then he moved away for studies and somehow we started dating. The last time we met was 6 months ago. Due to some circumstances he couldn't travel out of country. I am sorry I haven't be so clear with my ramblings. My mental state isnt so good atm.

Anyways, meeting aside. The past two months have been rough. It seems his personality has done a whole 180 turn. He seems cold even when I am telling him how I feel about everything. It is like he isnt the same man anymore.

He has been vague about our future, with him yesterday saying that he wants some time to himself after his phD to explore, travel and find a new home. I am not a part of his future plans. He still wants to see me as a means to forge some emotional intimacy as he puts it because atm he has no willpower or energy to put in our relationship.

I just feel I am replacable for him. Before his PTSD kicked in full gear he couldnt stop gushing about marrying me, meeting each others family. Starting a life together. He was kind and a wonderful man.

Now his priorities have entirely changed.
He is horribly self absorbed. Talking to him is like talking to a brick wall.


I fear he is taking advantage of my feelings using PTSD as an excuse. He even far to say "what if I meet someone with whom I can open up with and cry to"

I asked "am I not that person?"
He went quiet and said I am opening up to you about my condition.

Whenever I bring up the matter of just ending our relationship he doesnt answer at all and beats about the bush. I know things are overwhelming for him but it is starting to take a toll on me too. I feel I am the only one carrying this relationship.

With all this uncertainty about our future, I am wary of sleeping with him. When he is not even sure of whether he wants me in his life. It is only natural for me to try to protect myself.
 
Well update is, I found that he has been two timing the entire year. He was having sex with a close friend every saturday and had been giving her the same promises and excuses he gave me.
 
Sorry to hear that. Please know his behaviour has nothing to do with you. I hope you find someone you can love and trust. Someone who can give you the same.
 
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