Relationship Is This Normal

[Tina LG]

I recently started dating my boyfriend who spent 8 years in the Army & did two tours. It's only been two months, but it's been wonderful! He says the most amazing things but also proves them with actions. We spent valentines day together & it was perfect, then later that night he started withdrawing from me little by little. The next day I got nothing & he never missed a good morning or good night text from day one! So I asked him to please tell me what was wrong. He said he goes through phases where he withdrawal's from ppl and doesn't realize that he is, that he's sorry if I felt like I did something wrong. He said this month is hard for him because his memories of Irag consume him. I continue to say good morning & good night with no response. My question is what do I do? Do I walk away or continue trying?

 

[Atomic]

Hi - I'm new to this too. Fadeaway started a really good thread in the supporters forum about isolation. I've read through the entire thing about 3 times lol. I'm on my phone so can't copy the link here.

I'm going through the same thing and have stepped back to give him some space. It's been 36 hours, not that I'm counting or anything (ha!) since we last communicated. I am so worried, but he said he was going to the doctor which is good. It seems like the more you push for answers, and he doesn't have any, the more you push him away.

I know how much it hurts. Hugs.

I've realised that being needy at this time is selfish, when he's battling through something I know nothing about, and I care enough to leave him alone. An analogy I use for myself is that if one of my children was suddenly critically ill in hospital, I would be consumed with that, and everything and everyone else demanding things could just leave me the heck alone while I deal with it. Imagine somebody harping at you for answers about what's happening with a relationship, why aren't you replying, don't you love me blah blah blah....

 

[TinaG]

Hi - I'm new to this too. Fadeaway started a really good thread in the supporters forum about isolation....

I too feel selfish because I know I'll never know how he's feeling, I decided today that I would step back he assured me its not me but all he could say is I need time. I will do that because I care for him, I just hope he sees later that I want to be there for him.