How can I cope with having a break up with someone who has been telling me they feel lost?

My boyfriend has been saying he feels empty and lost and he has to put a fake persona of being happy but he broke up with me because he feels nothing.
Asked by Irene
Answered
08/07/2022

We cannot always change the way others feel.  Sometimes a person might state that they feel empty or lost, but perhaps they might juut feel that they are not being fulfilled at that moment.  Understanding where this person is coming from can be difficult--however in most cases communication breaks might be some of the reason.  Perhaps there are other variables within the relationship that might be be known to the other person.  Relationships in themselves are not always easy and they take two to make it work.  It can never be one sided--when it seems that way there is a concern.  It is a job in any relationship to make it continue and thrive.  Understanding your partner can at times lose focus.  There can be many reasons as to why someone would say that they "feel nothing", but is that really a true statement?    It can also be difficult to take those words and not make them personal.  For some it can be a way of them not taking responsibility as it is easier for them. For others it may be a way of not knowing how to properly define their emotions and express what is really going on here. 

I am not sure how long you have been with your partner, but consider any and all changes that happened up to the time of him deciding that he no longer wants to be together.  Consider if there have been any major changes in their lives or yours that may have altered what the relationship was before. Many things to think about and explore in this scenario.   He obviously "feels" something- even if it is not being happy.  How are your communication skills and how well are they with your partner?  What blocks and barriers do you see that might be getting in the way?  Where would you like to see the relationship and also consider there your partner might see a relationship going or where this person wants it to be?  Are the goals aligned with each other or way off?   Just a few things to consider in thinking about this relationship.