came here hoping someone could explain this to me.
Hi,
First, I am sorry that your in so much hurt, especially during the holiday season.
I don’t know that any of us can truthfully explain all of this to you, because it sounds like there are so many dynamics to wrap our minds around. But one thing I picked up on is his reaction to loss.
Everyone reacts differently to loss, and if he had a rough upbringing, he may not allow himself to attach to people for fear of loosing them. In other words, it’s easier to not have a relationship than to risk loosing the relationship and enduring the pain that accompanies loss.
I believe you said it was his Aunt that recently passed? And she was a Mother figure to him? If I understood that correctly, what happened to his Mother? Is it safe to say he experienced some severe tragedy and loss at a very young age? I can only imagine that he feels partially responsible for whatever caused her to not be present in his life, which may explain why he says some of the things he’s said to you in regard to his low self esteem.
Again, we all experience the death of a loved one differently, but I would guess that his recent loss is exposing some deep rooted , unresolved hurt over the loss of his Mother.
While I believe your intentions are good, I get a hunch he is simply overwhelmed in his own grief and he doesn’t have the headspace to help you, even though you are trying to help him.
I don’t like giving advice, but I’ll risk this for you. Take it with a grain of salt and if you find value in it, give it a shot.
Im not being mean toward you, but right now you need to put your needs and feelings aside and just be there for him. Don’t try to fix him, and don’t try to comfort him. Just be there when he needs you and when he needs affection, make sure it’s available when he seeks it. You need to be the strong one for him during this time of great loss in his life.
It’s not a head thing and it sounds like his world is broken and everything in his life is being shaken. And while you mean well, he may not know how to receive the good things you’ve been trying to do for him and it just adds to his confusion.
This doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship. And while I know you want to help him through this, he needs to resolve this on his terms. So try and be who he needs you to be during this time and build his trust by showing him as much respect as you can muster, even when he is not being respectable.
I wish the both of you the absolute very best.