Partner shifts blame for the collapse of relationship
Dear Abby: My partner of 11 years has decided he is no longer in love with me. He says it’s because he thinks I cheated on him. I have told him repeatedly that it didn’t happen, which is the truth. Long story short, he says he wants us to start over as friends and see where things go because he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with anyone right now. However, he’s sleeping with a 22-year-old here in the home we share. I love him so much that it hurts. When I tell him every day that I love him, he tells me he knows. Our relationship hasn’t been a bed of roses, but we did have good times when we were able to do things together. Should I hold out for him, or tell him the “friends” thing is not going to work and cut ties altogether?— Confused and Lost Guy
Dear Guy: I don’t blame you for feeling confused and lost, considering the mixed messages you have been getting from your partner. What you are experiencing now is, of course, painful. He is making excuses for wanting to trade you in for a newer model. This is why he is accusing you of having done something that he is doing under your nose.
The only true confession he has uttered is that he doesn’t want to be in a relationship. That is your cue to head for the door, unless, of course, the roof over your head belongs to you. If your home is rented or jointly owned, other arrangements will have to be made. But for the sake of your sanity, do not live with him under these conditions, or he will make you old before your time.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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Andrews McMeel Syndication