Ways to distract yourself when your partner is distant?

[l0v3bug]

° | Original post here | ° TLDR: my partner and I are on a break due to him grieving the loss of a family member and he's isolating himself. (We are LD.) ((Thank you to the original commenters for their advice, and thought I'd repost with a different question here.)

Does anyone have any good coping mechanisms involving littlespace or good ways to comfort yourself while your partner is emotionally distant? I feel lost and vulnerable without him and his presence. I've unfortunately engaged in some not so healthy things to deal with the overwhelming pain of being ignored and abandoned, so I need some good ideas to try before I go to therapy in a few days.

 

[MasterPhotog]

Hey Bug, first off, I just want to say I really feel for you. What you're going through sounds incredibly painful, and I’m so sorry you’re feeling lost and alone right now. Long-distance relationships are already hard, and when you add grief and emotional distance into the mix, it can feel almost unbearable. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and I really admire you for reaching out and being so honest about what you’re experiencing, that takes strength.

It’s completely valid to miss your partner and feel the absence of their support, especially when you’re someone who loves deeply. That kind of emotional void is so hard to sit with. I’m really glad to hear you have therapy coming up, that’s a huge step in the right direction, and I hope it brings some clarity and healing.

In the meantime, here are a few gentle things you might try that could offer some comfort:

• Create a grounding routine: Even something as simple as making your bed, taking a warm shower, or drinking tea in the morning can bring a sense of calm and structure.
• Write letters you don’t send: Sometimes just getting your feelings out, uncensored and raw, can be deeply cathartic. You don’t have to send them, just let it all out on paper.
• Find small joys: Whether it’s drawing, colouring or watching a favorite comfort show, listening to music that makes you feel understood, or going for a walk in nature, small moments of beauty can really help carry you through heavy days.
• Reach out: Even if it’s just a text to a friend or a support community like this one, staying connected to people who care (even strangers who understand) can be incredibly grounding.
• Mindful movement or breathwork: You don’t need to do a full workout, just putting on calming music and stretching, or doing a few deep breaths, can shift your emotional state even just a little.

Be gentle with yourself and take baby steps, this is a deeply human response to a really hard situation. You’re already on the path toward healing just by being aware and wanting to take better care of yourself. You deserve comfort, even in your partner’s absence, and I hope you can give some of that love back to yourself in this time. Please keep in mind that you’re not alone in this, feel free to reach out and talk about what's on your mind. We're  here for you. 
Sending you a big virtual hug! 

[l0v3bug]

18 minutes ago, MasterPhotog said:

Hey Bug, first off, I just want to say I really feel for you. What you're going through sounds incredibly painful, and I’m so sorry you’re feeling lost and alone right now. Long-distance relationships are already hard, and when you add grief and emotional distance into the mix, it can feel almost unbearable. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and I really admire you for reaching out and being so honest about what you’re experiencing, that takes strength.

It’s completely valid to miss your partner and feel the absence of their support, especially when you’re someone who loves deeply. That kind of emotional void is so hard to sit with. I’m really glad to hear you have therapy coming up, that’s a huge step in the right direction, and I hope it brings some clarity and healing.

In the meantime, here are a few gentle things you might try that could offer some comfort:

• Create a grounding routine: Even something as simple as making your bed, taking a warm shower, or drinking tea in the morning can bring a sense of calm and structure.
• Write letters you don’t send: Sometimes just getting your feelings out, uncensored and raw, can be deeply cathartic. You don’t have to send them, just let it all out on paper.
• Find small joys: Whether it’s drawing, colouring or watching a favorite comfort show, listening to music that makes you feel understood, or going for a walk in nature, small moments of beauty can really help carry you through heavy days.
• Reach out: Even if it’s just a text to a friend or a support community like this one, staying connected to people who care (even strangers who understand) can be incredibly grounding.
• Mindful movement or breathwork: You don’t need to do a full workout, just putting on calming music and stretching, or doing a few deep breaths, can shift your emotional state even just a little.

Be gentle with yourself and take baby steps, this is a deeply human response to a really hard situation. You’re already on the path toward healing just by being aware and wanting to take better care of yourself. You deserve comfort, even in your partner’s absence, and I hope you can give some of that love back to yourself in this time. Please keep in mind that you’re not alone in this, feel free to reach out and talk about what's on your mind. We're  here for you. 
Sending you a big virtual hug! 

Thank you so much MP, your words are always supportive and kind :,)