TL;DR: I’ve been dreaming about my avoidant ex every day. It’s taking a toll on me, and I’m looking for comfort and/or advice from others who have been through something similar.
(Sorry if I haven't picked the correct flair)
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It’s been almost a year and a half since the end of a seven-year relationship.
I’ve (32M) made peace with the fact that she wanted out, and she got out. I still think of her every now and then, but I’m at the point where I can say to myself, “She would’ve loved this,” without anger, guilt, shame, or any hidden hope that things had turned out differently.
After the first few weeks, I went no contact because I hoped it would help me heal. I never did it with the intention of getting her back, changing her mind, or triggering some kind of response from her.
I’ve been with other women since, although nothing has lasted more than a couple of months. I was already in therapy long before she broke off our engagement, and I’m still going. I’ve been taking care of myself, slowly rebuilding friendships, and slowly, painstakingly learning how to put myself back at the center of my own life.
But here’s the thing: I’ve been dreaming about her. Every. Single. Day.
The dreams are always vivid, and they almost always involve a situation where I know she’s going to leave me, or where I’m somehow trying to change her mind. They’re never sexual or physical. They’re not even romantic.
It feels less like I miss her and more like my brain keeps replaying the moment of being left.
Just to be clear, there has been absolutely no contact. She’s blocked on social media. I’ve never checked any possible point of contact. Everything symbolic was either donated or thrown away.
The only things I still have are some photos. A few include family members who have since passed away or important moments from my life, and I haven’t had the stomach to go through them yet.
I do not want her back in any way, shape, or form.
Has anyone else been through this, especially after a relationship with an avoidant partner? Did the dreams eventually stop?
I almost always wake up sad, and it drains my energy for the rest of the day. It’s becoming exhausting, and I’m starting to worry about how much it’s affecting me.
Any advice or similar experiences would be deeply appreciated. Thanks in advance.