My relationship ended because I was unable to communicate my needs. How can I prevent this in future?

Anonymous
Hi guys. I was in an 8 month relationship where I noticed some problems from the beginning (he was not a great texter, was sorta self-absorbed) but I let things slide bc everything was new. I did try to start bringing stuff up (texting habits, etc.) but I was so shy & he was so happy l didn’t really know how to bring it up, or would just do it in an indirect/light/joking way.

Eventually the same behaviors went on, and more started, so instead of me communicating, I just observed & built up a lot of resentment over a number of months. I decided in my head the relationship maybe wasn’t right for me & that I would end it, but there wasn’t a right moment for me so it went on several more months. It got to the point where he eventually & finally noticed how unhappy I was. It was so unfair of me to have waited this long. We finally addressed some issues, but there were just so many it was too late at this point. He’d had no idea I was unhappy bc I kept it to myself.

He broke up w me, has already moved on & im heartbroken. I should’ve just spoke up but I didn’t know what to do. I have to see him almost constantly at work so I have panic attacks nightly thinking about it. It’s too late to mend things & he’s moved on.

What do I do? I feel terrible. If I had just spoken up things would’ve worked. How do I get over this? I don’t think I’ll be able to date again for years

i was so shy/insecure in the relationship it was impossible for me to do anything
My relationship ended because I was unable to communicate my needs. How can I prevent this in future?
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