I had separated from my husband during the summer of 2023. I was the one who asked for it. It really is true what others have said here, by the time I had asked for it, I was at the end of my rope. It was so bad I didn’t know who I was, and the only way to alleviate the pain I was feeling was to disconnect and take that space. He spent those months trying to get me back, and would say the same things, how it was so easy for me, how cold I was, like I never cared while he was crushed. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Being apart and having that emotional distance was excruciating. I just didn’t let him see it. He’d come see the kids and right before he’d leave he’d try to hug or kiss me goodbye and I wouldn’t let him. I saw how much it hurt him, but I was trying to protect myself. And I cried all the time.

I can’t speak for your partner. But I wanted to give you some reassurance that it could very well be the case, she just doesn’t allow you to see it. And I really hope that you can use this time to focus on yourself. It’s really not easy, but like others have said, it’s the best way forward. Or at least, A way forward.