FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Boyfriend ghosted me

Heartbroken24
Community Member

Last May, I started talking to a guy and we hit it off straight away. He had been stood up by girls before and had in his words, “major trust issues”. Communication was on and off for months and it took a long time to meet up as he was scared. We finally met 3 months ago and it was amazing. He told me I was everything he imagined and more. We got along so well, texted for two weeks after and became even closer. Then one day, he just didn’t reply to my text. There was a pattern the whole time I’ve known him. We would speak sometimes a few days up to a few weeks before he’d shut down again for months. From everything I’ve learnt and things he’s said here and there over the last almost year, it sounds like he has depression, which makes him shut down. I tried everything to talk to him, including going to his house last night (I messaged him that I was on the way and that I’d turn around if he wanted me to). When I got there, he wouldn’t even come to the door and messaged me to go away. I told him I’m sorry, I just don’t understand what happened and that I love him. Then I left and cried the whole way home. I’m heartbroken because I’ve never felt this way about anyone. And when we were talking, I’d never felt so happy. I’m just stuck in this limbo of depression and loneliness and I don’t know what to do with my life. No matter what I do, it doesn’t fix or distract me from how I feel. I’m in so much pain every single day. I know I can’t help him, but I never expected this to happen and I just feel so lost. Please don’t give me platitudes as it doesn’t help.

4 Replies 4

tranzcrybe
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Not sure if this will also be a platitude, but asking a person with depression to talk about their problem IS the problem - a bit like asking a drowning man to come and have a drink.
Your devotion is commendable and of course you want to express and share this discovery, but it will only come across as being too full on, placing a lot of pressure on your beau to respond the way you want but not necessarily how he feels capable of responding.
The tricky thing is that you could perceive this as rejection, but it is often quite the opposite. Just tread lightly and allow plenty of space for small achievements in their own time.

Hey, thanks for replying and it’s great advice, however that’s not what I meant. I don’t expect him to talk about his depression and I haven’t even told him I think he has it. I mean he is not talking to me at all. He messaged me that he missed me on the 15th of February then never messaged me again. I was messaging him to show him I’m still here and still love him, but he was ignoring every single message. I then messaged two nights ago saying I’m coming over and to tell me if he doesn’t want me to. He ignored that message too and then when I got to his house, he messaged me to go away, which I did.

... wood for the trees, you might be the problem behind the problem?

 

Do you hope to force an outcome or is this just another instance of what you referred to as 'communication was on and off for months'?

 

'A' doesn't always lead to 'B' and simply dictating terms isn't working for you.

A change in approach may be warranted if you have the stamina and conviction.

Not looking to force an outcome at all. I told him a while ago I’m okay if he needs to take things slowly. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can so I can be more understanding and not take it so personal when he shuts down (he has said before it’s not because he doesn’t love me). I’ve spent so much time researching low self esteem, depression, commitment issues etc. to try and understand him more and try help. I’m more looking for advice on how I can help him/what others think is going on with him.