Girlfriend Cusses Boyfriend Out After He Told Her That Depression and Grief Over Parents' Death Is Her Choice

"This man was in the same room with me after pulling the plug on my dad and watching him die."

A 28-year-old woman lost her mom in August 2020, then her dad in June 2022, and she didn’t exactly hide the fact that grief and depression were part of her everyday reality. She met her partner around March 2022, and she was upfront about what she was carrying.

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After her father died, OP even suggested a break, not to punish him, but to protect him from the emotional toll. He insisted on staying anyway. Then, two months after the funeral, a trip to Yosemite turned into a fight when he acted like her feelings were supposed to reset just because they got home.

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By the mom’s two-year death anniversary, he was still questioning her grief, and that’s when she finally snapped.

OP lost her mom in August 2020 and her dad in June 2022. She met her partner around March 2022 and was clear about her grief and depression journey.

OP lost her mom in August 2020 and her dad in June 2022. She met her partner around March 2022 and was clear about her grief and depression journey.Reddit
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After her father's passing, OP suggested a break to spare her partner. Despite her struggles, her boyfriend insisted on staying, showing patience.

After her father's passing, OP suggested a break to spare her partner. Despite her struggles, her boyfriend insisted on staying, showing patience.Reddit
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Two months after her father's passing, a trip to Yosemite sparked a disagreement. The boyfriend questioned their unchanged emotional state upon return.

Two months after her father's passing, a trip to Yosemite sparked a disagreement. The boyfriend questioned their unchanged emotional state upon return.Reddit

Grief is a complex emotional process that can manifest in various ways. The boyfriend's comment about depression being a choice may reflect a misunderstanding of the profound impact of grief on mental health. Research shows that grief can lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges, often requiring time and support to process.

It's important to recognize that grief is not a linear process; individuals may experience waves of intense emotions long after the loss.

OP asked if he thought her depression was a choice, and on their mom's two-year death anniversary, he questioned her ongoing grief.

OP asked if he thought her depression was a choice, and on their mom's two-year death anniversary, he questioned her ongoing grief.Reddit

Angry after her dad's passing, she confronted her partner.

Angry after her dad's passing, she confronted her partner.Reddit

Apologizing for her insufficient contribution to the relationship, OP feels guilty for his changed behavior during her work break.

Scroll down to see what people had to say!

Apologizing for her insufficient contribution to the relationship, OP feels guilty for his changed behavior during her work break.Reddit

The moment OP suggested a break after her dad died, he chose to stay, and that decision set the stage for everything that followed.

Individuals dealing with grief often face heightened vulnerability to depressive symptoms.

His minimizing pain? A major red flag.

His minimizing pain? A major red flag.Reddit

Emotional IQ in the basement. Upgrade to heart, ditch the stone.

Emotional IQ in the basement. Upgrade to heart, ditch the stone.Reddit

The subject line says it all: Dump the clueless asshat. People don't RSVP for depression; he's living in a fantasy.

The subject line says it all: Dump the clueless asshat. People don't RSVP for depression; he's living in a fantasy.Reddit

The Yosemite trip is where his “you’re fine” energy collided with OP’s very not-fine reality.

Grief and boundaries can get messy, like the partner who rehomed their adopted pet without consulting them.

In the complexities of grief, the importance of open and empathetic communication cannot be overstated.

Depression isn't a choice, but kicking him to the curb definitely is.

Depression isn't a choice, but kicking him to the curb definitely is.Reddit

Redefine "partner" with someone who understands reality.

Redefine "partner" with someone who understands reality.Reddit

Dump the boyfriend; he's stress in human form. Mental health professionals over clueless partners.

Dump the boyfriend; he's stress in human form. Mental health professionals over clueless partners.Reddit

When he implied her depression and grief were “her choice,” OP didn’t just get mad, she got disgusted with the whole mindset.

Additionally, couples can benefit from engaging in joint grief counseling sessions to process their emotions together. This therapeutic approach can provide a structured environment for discussing feelings and understanding each other’s grieving processes. Research shows that shared experiences in grief counseling can strengthen bonds and promote healing.

Ultimately, prioritizing open communication and mutual support can significantly enhance resilience in relationships during times of loss.

She warned him about the storm, but he insisted on getting wet. He's the selfish one.

She warned him about the storm, but he insisted on getting wet. He's the selfish one.Reddit

Depression isn't a choice, and grief doesn't clock out. If he can't handle the facts, he's not the right match.

Depression isn't a choice, and grief doesn't clock out. If he can't handle the facts, he's not the right match.Reddit

She warned him that a relationship wasn't a good idea in the grief fog; he insisted and is now surprised about the rain.

She warned him that a relationship wasn't a good idea in the grief fog; he insisted and is now surprised about the rain.Reddit

Grief gold goes to her solo act. Take a breather; be the sprinter in the dating marathon, not the limper.

Grief gold goes to her solo act. Take a breather; be the sprinter in the dating marathon, not the limper.Reddit

Trauma is the personal trainer for those emotional muscles.

Trauma is the personal trainer for those emotional muscles.Reddit

Ditching this circus clown? A choice worth applauding.

Ditching this circus clown? A choice worth applauding.Reddit

If choosing were easy, he'd pick not reacting badly to her. Clearly, he's into selective decision-making gymnastics.

If choosing were easy, he'd pick not reacting badly to her. Clearly, he's into selective decision-making gymnastics.Reddit

"I know how unpredictable grief can be."

"I know how unpredictable grief can be."Reddit

Grief counseling is the most feasible loss compass.

Grief counseling is the most feasible loss compass.Reddit

On her mom’s two-year death anniversary, his comments about her ongoing grief pushed her from hurt to full-on confrontation.

The journey, marked by loss and a budding connection, exposes the raw vulnerability of navigating life's complexities. But this just goes to show that we should always be careful about whom we let into our lives—grief, pain, and all!

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

The narrative surrounding OP's experience sheds light on the vital importance of empathetic communication in the face of grief. The article emphasizes that couples in similar situations must engage in open dialogues about their feelings and experiences. This approach not only fosters resilience but also strengthens the emotional bond, allowing both partners to navigate the tumultuous journey of grief together.

Now he’s realizing “staying” doesn’t mean you get to erase her grief.

Want more relationship fallout? See why this couple got a cat against their partner’s wishes.

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