I'm dating an introverted girl but not officially an item. We've gone on 4 dates over 2 months (the most recent was 3 weeks ago however), and I initiate text conversations with her every single night to which she always replies. I like her very much because I find her very present and genuine throughout the 4 dates in person.
Last week, she did not respond for 4 days and came back apologising that she may have accidentally deleted my text message notification. I told her that it's alright, but deep down I was very much saddened that she did not think about me at all during those 4 days. I shrugged it off, thinking that she might be facing a really tough time in life.
Over the next few days, she no longer replied as quickly as before. I tried to gently prod her to share with me whether she was facing difficulties, while asking her availability for our next date. She replied that she it was because she needs personal space from time to time, and that she'll only be available after another 2-3 weeks.
That makes 6 weeks without seeing her. I couldn't take the pent up sadness and I burst.
I asked her whether my affection and interest towards her was completely one-sided, and again whether she was actually facing a harsh time in life. She reveals that there wasn't a strong enough sense of trust and security for her to share her troubles, and that forcing herself to be open about her difficulties would made her feel more terrible than before.
Now I feel really bad.
Though my tone wasn't rude, the contents I wrote were admittedly confrontational. I was under the impression that if I felt sadness in a relationship, I'm supposed to share it with my partner. I'm confused and deeply regretful because now I feel like as a man I should have swallowed it all up instead. Which I'm sure isn't healthy either. How should I have handled this situation?
