Taking a break during the talking stage
Hi! First post here. So back in November, I 16 (M) started talking to a friend of mine 15 (M) and things had been going pretty well for a bit, not to mention this is my first talking stage ever. But not too long ago, around mid-January, I started to feel like things were off, we had been growing more and more distant. I initially thought it was just me getting into my head, but eventually I realized that wasn't the case and that something was wrong. Fast forward to this Wednesday, we had a talk after school, he told me that he felt like we were moving too fast and that he's overwhelmed with a lot: academics, the school musical, and personal stuff. He said that he needs some space and that we should take a break, we texted later that night and he told me he wants to go back to being friends for a bit. But, now things are insanely awkward, and we haven't said a word to each other since, the most we've done is say "Hi" and give a small side hug. Maybe it's just me overthinking, but I would love some advice, I can't get my mind off of him and I don't know how to go back to being just friends. I know it's only temporary until he feels ready to start again with our relationship, but I'm scared he's going to lose interest in me and that both our relationship and friendship is going to fizzle out.
@pioneeringPlace6999
Oh hun, I can tell this guy means a lot to you. So it is understandable that you are going to feel a lot of overwhelming feelings. The feeling that you might lose someone important is particularly scary. And of course it is awkward when you meet, you've likely been vulnerable with that person and you can't just mentally switch that off.
There's no advice that is going to make this right. Nothing I can write will remove the hurting, however much I might wish it. Recognising the hurt, and even saying it out loud, and giving yourself permission to be upset about it eg "It's OK to be sad that I might have lost something I had hopes for", can take the edge off it. But it won't fix it.
Only time can do that, and that's little comfort.
I hope things get easier soon.