In ""

mandyman, you're not beating me up, your questions are all fair. There isn't anyone else. I too crafted a lengthy response, but it's clear this question was a bad idea. Thanks to those of you who chimed in with thoughts and suggestions. So much for less flinging.

Great pile-on monkeys (moneyjane and Brandon). I take responsibility for my part in this. Seeing as how you don't know me or my romantic partner, you're awfully quick to judge. Rhiannon, there has been nothing specific that has happened and I have been analyzing what is going on with me to figure out why I feel this way. I thought we'd be great together, shared many interests, found each other engaging, got along well with the child, etc., but there is nothing deeper there between us. I think it's entirely possible we got stuck in "the friend zone". I just don't know.

The child belongs to the other person.

mandyman - Without going into too many details, I think that the issue is twofold. I loved the youthful attitude this person displayed with regard to many things, but erroneously assumed there was something more substantial happening below the surface. It's quite possible, even probable that *I* am completely responsible for this because I *wanted* there to be and ignored any signs that may have been present. I'm feeling quite like a clod.

In "Curious George: I'm having relationship troubles. "

I'm kind of alarmed at some of the similarities I see between some of your experiences and my own. naxosaxur, I'd especially like to thank you for sharing your story. I'm not sure yet exactly what will happen, but I now have a varieties of experiences shared here to draw strength from. Thank you all. Oh, I agree with genial re: equal access to this account. Abuse is too tempting for an anonymous account.

This input really is awesome. I thank you all for sharing your suggestions, ideas and opinions. Just for those of you that have been curious: I really don't want to leave this relationship, but I don't want to keep hitting my head against a brick wall, either. This is my first truly long term relationship and the only other model I have to base it's success or failings on is the relationship of my parents, which wasn't all that healthy. And by all means, keep the input flowing if you've got it.

SideDish - thanks for the link. I think I'll see if I can pick that book up locally tonight.

Yes, we've discussed this a few times over the last 1.5 to 2 years. We've been discussing this for a little while currently. The response is that all is fixable and nothing is so serious that we should call it quits. There are no children and we're both mid-sih 30s.

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