This describes my marriage almost entirely. I obviously need to stop pursuing my husband. How do I do that and deal with all of the pain?
Well first of all I would suggest - fake it until you make it.
Deal with the PAIN head on - do not avoid it or run away from it. I suggest it gets better as TIME goes by. My first question would be why are you in PAIN - specifically? Take each item and break it down into smaller parts and maybe you can get your way through it.