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Did I invalidate my CPTSD bf's feelings?

Question

My bf was diagnosed with CPTSD following years of abuse with his mother and I need help understanding what I'm doing wrong.

My bf told me recently that a problem I have is that every time he tell me how he feel, I try to explain why he doesn't or should not feel that way. I've never had this type of feedbacks from previous partners.

I didn't know I had that problem until recently. I'm someone who is considered a good listener. I don't talk over people, I let them finish before speaking. I ask questions. But I understand different people have different emotional needs and I'm working on it.

He's been dealing with depression lately and will sometimes cancel plans last minute if depression is worse on some days and he doesn't want to see people, and just stay in and play video games. I respect his need for space while taking care of my own needs if a conversation is needed.

He's off this week to spend time with his kids who are on winter school break. I suggested we go to my friend's cottage as it's somewhere we talked about going for a while but for many reasons, it hasn't happen yet.

His response was: No, if you wanna plan alone and go, go ahead plan. I'm not going to plan any things like that. My life is unpredictable enough. I make promises that I'm gonna break I'm just gonna feel like shit so stop asking me to plan ahead for things that I can't promise that I can plan. Just stop. (By text)

I responded with: Babe, I know. With the kids and how your schedule can change last minute. With how you've been feeling lately as well. You know I understand and you don't have to feel like shit because of it. I understand. I've told you that so many times.

With those words, I was trying to tell him that I understood where he was coming from, but that I would never say anything negative if he canceled plans. I'd never blame him. I'd be understanding.

He replied with a roll eyes emoji.

Did I invalidate his feelings and told him how to feel like he had previously said?

Posted Mar 9, 2025, 1:35 PM UTC

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