I have been with my girlfriend for over 2 years. We have one of those relationships that sickens people, we are soulmates and tell each other every day. We are currently hundreds of miles apart, as work forced me to move. We were to reunite after her university finals at the end of this month. Then, last month her father to whom she was fairly close with passed away suddenly. While not entirely unexpected, it came a few years early. The first couple weeks she was coherent. Still texted me, told me she loved me, all the soulmate stuff. I realize now that she was probably in shock, because about 5 days ago she suddenly shut down. No more texts, forced conversations when we FaceTime or talk on the phone... She has completely withdrawn. I understand that this isnt about me, that her loss and pain is immense. But I am finding it hard to be there for her due to the inability to connect, text pings usually go unanswered or are replied to much later with noticeably forced comment. Even the I love you pings often go without reply both on the phone or text. I pain for her loss, and want to be there. I am starting to feel desperate that our plans for marriage and children are no longer a reality for her. The distance between us only makes me feel more helpless. She has family at home that I know are great support for her. I feel cut out of her picture presently, and it is crushing. I have had a long line of loser women in my life, and to find the one only to feel her slipping away adds to the devastation and sorrow I feel for her. She has opened up a little in the past days, random texts to say hello, but still no reaching out or love assurance. I'm trying very hard to be her rock and have mostly listened when she talks and sent her texts letting her know I'm here if she needs me. No dramatics from me. But I'm finding it hard to understand what exactly is happening because of the lack of communication. I've heard her talk to acquaintances she doesn't neccesarily care about with more emotion and connect than she has been with me. I truly just want to see her happy again, and am yearning for any kind of communication. Currently, we talk mostly about her dad, I listen and empathize. I've read enough threads about grief to know that's exactly what I should do. On the other hand I've read way more posts about grief destroying previously perfect relationships. What should I do????? Please help, I couldn't bear to lose the only woman I have ever fully trusted and loved as completely as I do.
Hello,
I'm sorry if you mentioned this already, but how long has it been since your girlfriend's father passed away? Is her mom alive? Does she have any younger or older siblings? You have to understand, her entire family is shaken up by this event, not just your girlfriend. It all has an effect on her, plus, there are her own emotions and grief she needs to deal with.
The only way I can see such a close relationship - like the one you two have - failing is if she starts thinking you are not (no matter how realistic that might be at the moment) her soulmate,
Wish you all the best,
Nicole