An ex died recently, I am overwhelmed with sadness and grief. The relationship ended many years ago and we hadn't spoken since. How to process this? I am having difficulty explaining and hiding from my current SO what's going on.

likeuplifting
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure it feels so complicated, although I think you’re definitely not alone in feeling grief over an ex passing. I hope your S.O. is mature enough to understand - even though this person was an ex, they were a significant part of your life at one time (and possibly even someone you once loved) so it’s completely normal to be experiencing grief and sadness. 🖤

like

I’m so sorry about your loss. Your ex should be supportive about this and mature enough to understand that even though we’re not with an ex anymore, we are still are fond of them and created a lot of happy memories with them. If your SO gets jealous or shuts down your feelings, that is a huge red flag 🚩

like
Recent IconRecent

I feel sorry for your SO that you feel this way about an ex that you haven't spoken to in years since you broke off, and are reluctant to let your SO know.

You should let the SO know how you feel about the ex.

like

Eh, wrong take. This sounds complicated. And it may or may not make OPs SO feel jealous or sad to learn that OP had such strong feelings for the ex. People should refrain from giving snap advice before asking more questions.

I had a similar situation a couple years back. An f-buddy of mine died, quite gruesomely in a horrible accident, and I was a bit shell shocked and very sad when I found out about it. We were basically secret f-buddies, didn't know any of his friends, nobody knew I existed, although we had been meeting on and off for years.

It's hard to process a loss like that when nobody around you has the right context or wouldn't understand or it would be weird if you explained that you had a kind of feeling about this person.

Anyway, not exactly the same thing, but OP I feel for you and I would suggest working out your feelings by safely confiding in a close friend and maybe talking through it in therapy, and, just to check the boxes, explore if this isn't some kind of message about your current relationship that you should give attention to. It wouldn't hurt to tell the SO lightly that this happened but I wouldn't lay allllll of your heavy feelings out on them necessarily. It really depends on what's going on between you two now.

like

*hugs* don’t feel guilty about your feelings. Speaking to a therapist may help!

like

Yes, on it!

like

I’m sorry for your loss. It is very natural to mourn the passing of someone who was important to you for a long time, even if that time was in the distant past. I hope your current SO can understand.

like

It’s healthy to feel this way. I don’t talk to my ex much but the thought of him dying makes me sick.

like

That’s fine - I don’t want to invalidate how you feel. You should feel how you want ✌🏻

like

I'm sorry for your loss. Never been through this so I leave it to others to give advice. Your feelings are valid

like

Same thing with me. Feel free to DM

like

i’ve been on the other side of this. very hard to navigate. I wasn’t supportive of my ex giving a speech at her ex’s funeral and that ended our relationship (I was super young and wish i handled differently). you’re allowed to feel how you feel and should be able to talk about it

like

I never thought about this question until I came across it today. I probably would have reacted the same way you did when I was young, but now that I’m older, I would talk it out with my SO if they feel uneasy/grief. Do I support them to attend the funeral? I would support them if it helps them get over the stages of grief. Now, if they attend the funeral because they still love the ex, then no. Ultimately it comes down to how much I trust my SO. I don’t think you were in the wrong for not supporting her. It made you uncomfortable, and situations related to exes are typically frown upon with current SO. Just like how some people are okay staying friends with exes while others are not okay. You and her just weren’t compatible.

like

I’m really sorry for your loss; it’s very complicated to process that kind of loss. All of my exes are exes for a reason but there is also a reason we were together in the first place; I imagine the same is true for you to some extent. I would hope that you could feel comfortable sharing in some way what is happening with your current partner. Your vulnerability may be a chance for the two of you to grow closer. You can decide how much you want to say, maybe just “someone I used to be close to has died.” I think your partner will sense that something is happening if you don’t say something and that lack of communication may ultimately hurt the relationship more than being open.

like

I’m so glad he responded well, and also that you were able to connect with your ex’s mom too. My estranged father died earlier this year and it became a chance to grow closer to my brother whom I hadn’t talked to in many years. As hard as death is it can bring opportunities to grow closer to people as well. I’m glad there are people in your life (and that you can be that person in their life) who can be a source of love and support in a time of grief.

do i know you?

?

Sorry to hear that. How did she die?

?

Mostly as above - sorry for your loss, you have a right to feel what you feel
Also don’t have a responsibility to tell your SO

Your relationship should be able to handle this situation- if not some concerns for your current relationship

Related Posts

During interview I was speaking to the hiring manager. Felt interview was going well. He seemed impressed by my answers, excited by my skills, and even gave me a tour of the office. At the end, he asked about my home life. When I spoke of my 3 young kiddos, the manager got a little taken back and replied Oh you have children? I said yes ages 3, 5, and 7. He then proceeded to ask me about daycare arrangements and if I can be reliable. Red flag as his demeanor changed and made me feel unworthy.

likesmart

So I have been seeing a guy for 4 months. We have a pay disparity.. he earns less than I do (by quite a bit). He has mentioned a few times that he’s worried I’ll get bored of him when I know he can’t afford the same things I can. I think we are beginning to move past this, but now he’s starting to mention things like ‘I am really broke this month’, and last weekend he told me his mum has lost her job and he’ll have to probably pay her rent. I have a lot of sympathy for his situation … tbc

like

Any dads out here? Wife is 20 weeks pregnant with our first and want to connect and know from fellow dads on how are they coping. How are you helping your partner? Feel I am not doing enough. Except for getting ready with the finances.

Pregnant moms, feel free to provide suggestions on what your partner is doing which you really appreciate. I got the foot massage part covered. 😉

likeupliftinghelpful

Coming from a family of immigrants and being one yourself, does anyone ever feel a sense of guilt with your success/salary versus your family members? If so, how have you dealt with this? Any suggestions on how to deal with it internally and emotionally?

likeuplifting

Did yall hear about the Chicago mom who had her kid taken away because she wouldn't accept that her child was transgender? As a parent, that's actually kind of scary that the government would that with no basis of abuse or neglect. Smh

like

I’m (early30s) about 8 months into a relationship with a 40m. Things are wonderful in every aspect, but he is absolutely atrocious with his finances. I felt it becoming an issue about two months ago. He forgets about auto payments and just generally doesn’t care. I sat down with him and looked at everything and even after talking it out he still continues to stress and it’s now causing me stress. I had a final discussion with him today about it and he went on abt how love isn’t enough for me…

like

Question: Girl friends parents finally came over for a ristha. Everything went great or so I thought but now she wants to time to think about moving forward. The pain point she brought up is that we are in different states and she is feeling pressed. Although in that time she has started communicating less and I literally had to beg her to get on face time. My gut says she wants to end it but unsure. Any advice ? It's been 2 weeks since this event

like

My adoption application was approved!! I’m hoping to bring her home this weekend. Any advice for a first time cat parent is greatly appreciated! 🙏🏼

likeuplifting

Random Thought: I love my therapist and I just realized the things I talk to her about I wish I could talk to my parents about. Which made me realize, is that why people have such close relationships with their parents and why they call them all the time? Are people actually getting counseling from their parents?

like

Any recos on great childcare in New York (ideally west village / Chelsea / Greenwich / soho)?

Family luddites ask about my work and immediately behave annoyed when I start to answer.

like

At first I wondered why everyone in my office was married to/dating each other. But now it makes sense, they're the only people you ever freaking see 😐

like

Everyone likes me because I'm a doormat with no boundaries. I do anything and say anything to make people happy. I will think what you think I should think. Will you be my friend?

funnylikeuplifting

I'm a product engineer and it's hard to turn off work mode at the end of the day, I think of how products *should* be packaged when I'm shopping and can't understand why my wife doesn't care 🤷

likefunny

I hate being a mom, didn't think I would

like

How do new mothers especially first time moms deal with stress? My wife seems so stressed after having our baby 2 weeks ago and I’m unsure of how to help other than take care of the baby when I can. I went back to work and she’ll be a stay at home mom but I recognize that the baby is a lot to deal with. Any tips?

I made a mistake. I talked with the ex this morning. He said he misses me. And that while he walk talking to the other woman, he wished he was talking to me instead. And when he saw that I didn’t respond to his texts, he drank a shit ton. And then called this morning.

He’s not willing to commit to the other women because he’s not over me.

I need to block him.

like

Male 🐠, if you and a girl had a “situationship” but obviously had feelings for each other and it had to end for one reason or another, how often do you still think about the girl? Would she be on your mind as you try to move on?

like

Has anyone quit their job because of a relationship? I started my job 3 months ago and now my employer wants me to move to NY. The thing is, I fell in love during the pandemic with a friend that I have known for 3 years. It's frustrating since I know I could continue my job from home. I would honestly quit my job and wouldn't mind the job search again.

like

More Posts

Fish, how many years did it take after your MBA to double your pay (in consulting)?

like

My dog keeps licking his paws. We think its because of all the salt on the ground from the snow, but getting worried his feet hurt. I am not sure he will like it if we get him shoes, what do y’all think?

like

Guys weighing around 185 lbs. What are your compound lift PRs? Just curious

like

Hey Folks, need help in choosing between American Express and JPMorgan Chase. Seeking insights on basis of WLB, Work and brand. YOE- 7 years . Skill- Data Engineer. Also is it worth to switch from Deloitte India given the current market scenario. TIA

like

Let’s say you’re the main character of some action movie. Think military / Jason Bourne / Ethan Hunt type of guy. You’re only bringing one watch with you on your mission across the world. Streets of Paris, African jungles, Southeast Asia, and wherever else the mission takes you. What watch you wearing?

like

Genuine question: what’s the hype with Sinola watches? I feel like from the price point there are far better options in terms of style and horology

like

If I leave big law for ADA will I get canceled?

like

Currently I have 6.5 years of experience, completed 2 years in current organisation and I got very good hike also (after hike CTC is 24 LPA )
And my manager got changed also but I am frustrated with my new Manager.
should i start preparing for next/better Company like Amazon, Microsoft ?

Anybody tried Birkenstocks as a footwear?

like

Hi fishes,

Should we accept a counter offer after resign?

Counter offer includes:
Matching the compensation and bonuses.
Promoting to new profile

like

How much hike does paytm money gives?

I have 4 yrs of experience with 15 lpa.. how much hike can i ask? What do you think that they can provide. Any help would be appreciated..

like

I got an offer from LTI and also got counter offer. When I told HR about it, he is screaming that we will block you if tou won’t join. Do LTI block if I won’t join them after getting offer? Please help.

likehelpful
like

Hi fishes,
What is the avg salary that I can expect in Morgan Stanley at Manager level?
Current CTC- 15 LPA
Yoe- 3.2 + MBA full time
Domain- Cyber security and risk advisory

like

Thoughts on Media.Monks legal department?

like
like

Anyone from Amazon or Google with a non-tech background? Looking to learn for post MBA opportunities in Toronto.

like

What is a good salary for a non-tech client-facing director role at a Series B company?

like

How many of you have worried about finding a job outside of education since everyone is leaving?

like

Additional Posts in Confession

….. I exclusively use cap locks to capitalize words instead of shift

funnylikeuplifting

I think people who “kiss” their dogs/pet on their mouths are disgusting

likefunnysmart

Would you rather get a 50% raise, or get the one that got away back?

likefunny

VENT: I feel completely demotivated after our new FOW announcement and it gave me whiplash. Working here has been a dream, so it feels weirdly hurtful to be publicly celebrated as part of the “expanded talent pool” in announcements, but be told privately that my return to the office will be accompanied by a massive pay cut because of where I live. I didn’t choose to live here/move, the company chose ME where I’m at. I feel like I don’t belong because everyone else seems happy with this.

like

I’m a rebellious teenager trapped in a 30-year old woman’s body

likefunnyhelpful

Who's Gina? everyone seems to people talking about in the confession bowl.

likefunny

Please help me rationalize through something:
2 kidneys but can only give 1 (potentially):

1) Cousin: 36, mom of 2, lives a fairly healthy lifestyle
2) Dad: 60-65 YO; kidney failure runs in the family, lives an unhealthy lifestyle but this is dad…

What should I be considering in thinking through how to decide? What factors would you think about?

P.S. will go through screening process for both but just want to start thinking about things now

like

Anyone knows how to open a non-profit company?

like

Something has been bothering me for a long time and I want to get it off my chest.

My firm does upward feedback and I asked about 10 of my team to participate so that I could be a better supervisor for them. My results: I got mostly great feedback with constructive points, however along with it I received the meanest, most cold hearted criticism I’ve ever seen (con’t in comments).

like

mother in law thinks she gets to name my child…help

likefunny

I’m seriously considering eating dinner at 5:30pm. Does that mean I’m officially old??

likefunnyuplifting

I've lost all motivation in my job and have done maybe 40 hours of real work since the beginning of August. I've built up a good track record the past couple years, and am good at bullshitting so people have been giving me the benefit of the doubt, but know the party can't keep going forever.

like

I don’t want to stop living a double life. I’m a 29yo bi guy living in a liberal city and I’ve dated a guy(29m) for 5 years. I fly back to my conservative small town and pretend I’m straight for my parents (and extended family) because I don’t want to disappoint them or cause them any pain. I love them and I love my bf, and I want to keep both aspects of my life as they are today. My bf wants to meet my parents but I really don’t want to bring that drama into my life

like

Should people wait till marriage to be intimate? If so, when should they get married? If not, when would it be acceptable?

likefunny

I grew up poor and was obsessed w financial security. After investing my blood, sweat and tears into my career for years, I’ve decided I don’t care about my career or earnings as long as I have enough to support my family. We are happier than ever making less and saving little. I wasn’t there when my mom was sick and died because I was working and my employer didn’t allow me to be in a mental headspace to be a good person for my family. I can never change that but I can be better going forward.

likeuplifting

After ~20-30 min on a call, I stop paying attention.

like

I met this guy online a month ago, we see each other once a week, and I find myself like him a lot, I feel more and more smitten with him (no sex at this point). We are not exclusive, and I think it’s early to have the talk anyway. Another guy matched online asked me out on a date, and I feel guilty about going. Can someone help me overcome the guilty feeling I have? 🥲

likefunny

Huh, the word is unkempt. I've been saying unkept all my life. Oops.

likefunny

I thought that the occasional visits from the recently divorced single mother that moved in down the hall was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was wrong, getting that mouse jiggler is the best thing that ever happened to me.

funnylike

confession:i regret not prioritizing finding a good partner when i was in my college/early career years and envy those who did. it's harder now mid-senior career because you have less time and it actually requires you put time and effort into finding a good relationship

likeupliftinghelpful

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal