Relationship Advice needed pls

welcome to the forums @Davie05!

it's great to have you here. i can see that having that tough conversation with someone you've dated for 7 years and financial dependent to can be really hard. i imagine you've both grown and changed a lot in that time, and it's okay to not feel the same feelings anymore.
i'm personally someone who would rather have the truth, even if it's painful, than be leaded on. i'd imagine that you'd rather know if someone wasn't feeling the same than be lead on too?

in terms of the financial dependency part, is there anyone else you can lean on when things end? perhaps a friend or family member you can stay with while you get back on your feet?

Hi @Davie05 and welcome, 😊

That is a difficult and no doubt stressful situation you are in. It shows a lot of positive character in you that you are also concerned about how they will feel.

I echo what @rav3n said, but also have another question for thought to add - but ignore if not helpful.

Can you pinpoint any reasons why you may have lost physical attraction to them? Are there any other ways you might increase emotional connection to them to offset the decreased physical attraction?

(This is only applicable if you are wanting to stay in the relationship of course, and are seeking a way to feel back to where you were years ago).

I can relate somewhat to the feeling less connection with my partner than I did years ago. Its not an easy thing to figure out sometimes, and often does require both people to be honest and open and talk about what they really want and need - and whether that it mutually compatible abd something to both actively work towards rebuilding. I've been told couples counselling can help with this process.

Hi @Davie05

Welcome to the forums.

Relationships naturally change over time and it can be really hard when you and your partner don't seem to be on the same page. Seven years is a big investment, and it sounds like there are still things that work well between you. At the same time, if your feelings or attraction have shifted, your partner might be sensing that something is different, which could understandable affect their emotional wellbeing.

This is why having an honest conversation about where you both see the relationship going might help. Talking about your shared goals, needs and future hopes can shed some light on your relationship.

You mentioned not wanting to break up because you're financially dependent on your partner and don't want to hurt them. That shows you care deeply about their feelings and the impact your decision might have. At the same time, financial dependence can make things even harder if you do decide to spearate. It might be worth looking into options for support, like Centrelink, family or friends, so you can make decisions with a bit more security behind you.

I think couples counselling could also be a safe space for you both to explore these feelings with guidance and support. It can help ensure any decisions you make come from a place of understanding and respect for each other.

I also want to acknowledge the kindness and responsibility you've shown in how you speak about your partner. It takes courage to be this honest with yourself and I hope you both can find a path forward that values each others emotional wellbeing through what is clearly a difficult time.

Kindly Alisse.