What is Codependency

A "codependent" is loosely defined as someone who exhibits too much, and often inappropriate, caring for other people's struggles.

Codependency advocates claim a codependent ...

Join Now

Free, anonymous support from people just like you.

Spread the Word!
Get a DS flyer to post
DS Store is Open
DS t-shirts and more
Advice:
New Relationship
Watch this 
View More Posts Ignore
I've been in a new relationship with a man for 2 months now. The excitement of a new romance has tapered off and it is now just day to day living. We have both been very stressed out. I know in relationships, I start to find reasons why it won't work out even if there is nothing wrong. I need my space and I haven't been setting those boundaries. I feel guilty saying don't come over tonight. I don't know what to say to make him see that it's not him....I just need alone time. he wants to come over and I can't say no. I'm tired, I feel like I'm losing myself. I'm treating him poorly because I'm not taking care of me. I feel like if I say no to him, we might break up. I have a huge fear of abandonment, which I am slowly learning about. I have a hard time separating my thoughts into what is real and what is imagined. Any advise? Thanks!
Posted on 09/17/08, 12:09 pm
RATE THIS POST:
Inspirational
Moving
Helpful
Creative
5 Replies Add Your Advice
Reminder: This is a support group for Codependency. We trust you will do your best to remain positive and helpful. For more information, see our rules of the road.

You may also create your own Member Groups where you can moderate the discussion.
Advice:
Email me when others reply to this topic help
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #1 - 09/17/08  12:54pm
" Boundaries seem to be in order. "
RATE THIS REPLY:
Inspirational
Moving
Helpful
Creative
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #2 - 09/17/08  3:38pm
" GOOD LUCK. I'D SAY DEF KEEP UP YOUR BOUNDARIES. I GOT DIVORCED AND WENT RIGHT INTO A NEW RELATIONSHIP. EVEN THOUGH I NEEDED MY SPACE, I COULDN'T TELL HIM NOT TO COME OVER. NOW ALMOST A YEAR LATER, I'M LIVING WITH HIM, ENGAGED AND DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I GOT THERE. HE IS AN AWESOME GUY BUT THERE WAS NO SPARK AT ALL WHEN WE KISSED OR HAD SEX BUT I KEPT TALKING MYSELF INTO STAYING B/C HE WAS SAFE. NOW I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO LEAVE AND GET BETTER BEFORE I JUMP INTO ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP. IT IS DEF HARDER TO FIX YOURSELF WHEN YOU'RE WITH SOMEONE AND WE ALSO TEND TO ATTRACT THE WRONG KIND OF PEOPLE WHEN WE HAVEN'T FIXED OURSELVES. GOOD LUCK AND STAY STRONG! "
RATE THIS REPLY:
Inspirational
Moving
Helpful
Creative
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #3 - 09/18/08  12:47am
" maybe just do it even if it doesn't feel natural . Also you know to ease your fear about him breaking it off because of you taking space .. well usually men like a chase, and if you cut him out a little they seem to want you even more . Kind of like missing someone makes the heart grow fonder ( or however they say it ) ..
If he doesn't understand or respect you needing space, than he's not the one you want anyway ! "
RATE THIS REPLY:
Inspirational
Moving
Helpful
Creative
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #4 - 09/18/08  1:09pm
" You sound similar to me. I used to think the term introverted was a dirty word. I thought it meant I didn't get along well with others. I learned that it means I unlike an outgoing person,like my space. I love chatting with others and going to functions. I do get tired though when I'm spending so much time running around visiting and having people over. I used to feel abnormal feeling that my home is my sanctuary and that visiting has it's time and place no matter who it is. My husband has accepted that while he's more outgoing,and has no problem with any and all people visiting and such,I don't most of the time. I used to feel bad about it,but now,I don't.

Stand up for yourself,and don't feel intimidated letting your guy know how you're feeling. The way I see it,honesty may not always yield the results we're seeking,but it leaves your door open to people who have no problems respecting both you and your boundaries. Desperation of abandonment is never a good reason to keep quiet and put up with things. Maybe your not being honest with him is causing him stress. People don't usually know what we want unless we vocalize it. From there we negotiate the relationship keeping in mind both people's feelings and boundaries.

Hugs, "
RATE THIS REPLY:
Inspirational
Moving
Helpful
Creative
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #5 - 09/18/08  1:31pm
" I SOOO feel you. I think human beings all need our space from time to time, to reestablish our identities and to simply recharge our batteries. Just explain to him what you said here. "It's not you; it's me. I love you; I just don't want to be together 24/7, y'know? I just need a few days a week to regroup, miss you, and then get back together again." If he understands, he'll comply. Chances are, he's feeling the same things. "
RATE THIS REPLY:
Inspirational
Moving
Helpful
Creative

You might also like ...

loving way too much

By lildeb 6 Replies

My fiance and I have been having some problems lately and it doesn't help that I have tremendous abandonment issues. …

Calm

By Justagirl34 6 Replies

I have had nothing but tramatic relationships with addicts and alcocholics. My ex husband was an IV cocaine addict, …

Relationship addiction

By Loved1 13 Replies

I hope the following is helpful from the book "Addicted to Love" by Steve Arterburn Relationship addicts …

Content on DailyStrength.org is for informational purposes only. We do not provide any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. More info
Portions of support group and treatment information provided by Wikipedia under the GNU FDL license
Copyright 2008 DailyStrength, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Report Abuse | HSW International