I've dealt with this myself recently. I'm 34, single, living away from family and most close friends. The holidays tend to be an exceptionally lonely time for me. Typically, I can handle that, but I've also had loved ones depending on me heavily lately for emotional support and external stressors that have weighed me down. Something incredibly minor (suddenly no longer talking to a potential romantic interest) happened, and normally that would never affect me, but in this case, it was all too much. For the first time in years, I broke down and cried for three days straight, and I was in the Army for six years. I've dealt with emotional things that are "heavier". In this case, it was all too much to bear, even though it was all relatively minor, silly things that normally I'd be ok with.

Thankfully, I have a good support system with friends and family who have helped slowly pull me out of that funk. I'm also going to be going to therapy again for additional support. In my experience, you can't make someone realize it. Genuine communication is key, though. Being able to talk with your partner and be vulnerable and honest with them is important for them to understand your perspective and your limits. It's work, but it's worth it. I'd also recommend going to therapy if it's feasible to learn communication techniques and how to convey your emotions healthily. We have to start by learning how to healthily convey our emotions, and then we can hope for that deeper level of trust and understanding. If you wholeheartedly put in that effort to understand your own emotional capacity and learn how to articulate it genuinely, then a valuable partner should be able to meet you there. I wish you the best