Hello ladies, my question today is how to deal with regret over the timing of a relationship.

A year ago I dated a man who was very into me, I recently re read our conversations over text and he was just very affectionate and loving. He would plan thoughtful dates promptly and treated me as if I was the most important girl in the world. At the time I probably shouldn’t have been dating as I had just left a year of dealing with a very toxic, narcissistic ex and was preoccupied dealing with a difficult college class & friendship drama. This left me with little time and energy to really dedicate to the romantic relationship I had with this man. I had no experience with genuine or healthy relationships. We ended up fizzling out because I was moving to another country and I had little care about him so I moved on.

Later in 2020 I moved home because of corona and we made friendly contact again and decided to meet up. We went on a few dates and I expressed to him that I was in a good headspace and wanted something serious now despite my actions a year prior.

The tables had really turned because this time he rejected me due to poor mental health and preoccupation with life and I was devastated because I felt we had a really lovely connection.

I understand that timing is important, and if it was meant to be it would be but I can’t help feeling sad that I rejected him a year ago instead of working through my issues so we could be together. I can’t help feeling sad that he has now rejected me because I took too long to reconcile with him. I know that my self worth needs to be stronger than my feelings but it is so hard sometimes.

I know there’s a hundred other people out there I will have a great connection with but I just feel like I made a mistake with this one. I knew in the moment I didn’t want to be with him back in 2019 but now he ticks a lot of my boxes and I feel disappointed it didn’t work out, like I made a mistake.

Thanks x