I (23F) started dating someone officially after what felt like a long time. In the beginning he was thoughtful and I had no doubts of his interest in me, he planned thoughtful dates and brought me gifts because he knew I liked them.

More recently he got busy, while away on a work trip I was upset by the fact he didn’t check in all that often. When I returned it occurred to me that I was the one putting in all the effort to support him emotionally, and I was drained. I called him and told him I couldn’t do it anymore (with much push back as he considered the relationship equal) and it has hurt ever since. I don’t lie I want him back, but trying to remind myself that a relationship is two people and I was one of those people. Maybe it was my love for him that made the relationship so special, and that means I didn’t really lose anything because I always will have myself. ❤️