Now I "just" have to love him back to me somehow..
Tulo, I'm so sorry to hear. I had three dogs that were such a big part of my life. My chocolate lab was a big stuffed animal. He was overprotective but loved me like I was his mother. My yellow lab was so enthusiastic, he knew the dog park and when I took him there and he saw where we were going he would just start shaking because he was so excited. And my golden retriever, she had a heart of gold, and it was obvious she did everything she could to be a 'good dog'.
All three of those animals passed away in the same year. It really was the end of a loving era in my household.
It's ok to suffer. It means your time with your man and your animal meant a lot to you. I don't think that's anything to be ashamed of.
As for your quote, no, you can't love him back. He's gone on his own journey now. Continuing to love a man that doesn't return your love will only lower your own self worth. And he's trying to get distance to rediscover his life without you. The more available you are the further he has to travel.
Time to get some space. I recommend telling him you think it's best to limit to email/text only for a while and communicate only as needed until you can redefine your relationship as platonic. That might be 2 weeks, 2 months, or longer...but it is a necessary step. You may feel he's confliceted- he is feeling the loss, but his decision is clear. You can't tempt him back. You have to let him sort this one through.
PS- if you don't have a DB coach PLEASE get one asap. Seriously.
Me:38 XW:38 T:11 years M:8 years Kids: S14, D11, D7 BD/Move out day: 6/17/14, D final Dec 15
