Is it time to end an 8 year relationship? Any advice?
So my partner and I have been together since the start of highschool. As you would expect with all highschool relationships it was bumpy. We were raging with hormones loving each other but still trying to find our selves. Throughout this my partner explored their sexuality and other sexual experiences and I chose to stay through many of them. Now as we are getting older both wanting to start a life together there has been hiccups. There have been times that have been great and full of love and bonding that have really made us as close as we are today. However also some infidelity which I of course chose to stay through; as well as just concerns on both ends on how a life together may be. Tension has been building some time as to if marriage and the next steps will happen. Over the course of this though we had an agreement that since they had gotten to explore sexually they felt I should too. I reluctantly agreed to have a third person join us. Key aspect is though that I would never have done anything of the sort if it was up to just me. It was enjoyable in the moment for all parties but afterward a new tension lingered. Later my partner disclosed that they have a hard time viewing me the same since the event. That tension also then grew to discussions of uncertainty and eventually my partner taking to *** in their terms seeking advice. In light of not wanting to flush away 8 years of not only love but friendship I opened the floor for honesty. I then find out multiple other occurrences of infidelity as well as an occasion of them being taken advantage of by a manager and liking it… I appreciate the honesty but really don’t know if that’s really the full truth all things considering. I love this person deeply and they say the do too. They’ve said sorry profusely and want to continue to make things work. Even talked about plans to ask the big question soon before all of this. I’m truly at a loss I have been praying for just a clear sign of what to do. This person means the world to me but all of this confusion and suffering doesn’t match their words.
@thoughtfulDog3102
Sometimes we ask or want honesty ..........then find out it is more then we really are ready for. I think there is no one answer. ... for some exploring and getting it out of system sounds logical for others Not really a good idea.
When a person makes a commitment to relationships early in life without having other dating/ intimate experience sometimes down the line they have regrets and wish they had dated others etc.
Every relationship IMO is bumpy and each step or even years brings new challenges and no one knows what life will bring. Being they are also our best friend makes it harder to even consider leaving.
There often is not a big sign we pray for but instead small lingering feelings small voice in our head saying are u sure? it is not told to us early on but many things WE need to decide others can give advice but the decision is up to you.