Therapy.

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

I (38 F) am struggling with my new reality of being single after being in a situationship for 14 years and also with some deeper trauma that I feel I cannot talk to my parents about. Part of my problem is that my mother insists that I can tell her and my father about whatever is troubling me—and usually, that is 100 percent true—but this trauma is heartbreaking, to say the least. With my parents’ advanced age, I am afraid they would not be able to comprehend the damage done to me in this alternate world.

In regards to being single again, I do not know where to start. I am trying my hand at crocheting and can knit simple patterns, like AirPod case bags, but nothing that would make me any money on the side, though it is a thought that I have entertained in the past. I have a sterling silver ivy-styled cross that my father bought for me from an estate sale years ago and wearing it has brought me some comfort.

—Heartbroken In Love

banana468

Seek therapy.  You're trying to navigate in a world where you feel you don't want to break your parents' hearts and also figuring out a new normal after over a decade with someone.  You don't need to do that alone.

mrsconn23

This LW feels trapped in amber back to 14 years ago when the relationship started.  It also sounds like this was partially (or mostly?) an online thing too (gamers?).   I feel sad for this LW because they don't mention having any friends and their parents sound a little...clueless to LW's inner (and online?) world.  Definitely needs therapy and as mean as this may sound, LW needs to go touch grass and try to make real connections to people they can physically be around. 

MyNameIsNot

I did not jump to gamer. I jumped to dating a married person and miscarriage. 

Whatever it is, therapy is a good way to process emotions. I'm not sure what knitted airpod covers and a locket have to do with anything, but things will not bring comfort.