I think I got exactly what you were saying.. and I have been the caregiver role in the relationship which I think is why this is so difficult. I for the first time in my life tore down the walls that I built to isolate myself from hurt, and end up getting hurt. I actually cannot imagine a worse way for a relationship to end.. trust shattered and wounds so deep that you cant close them up fast enough.

One lesson learned is that my true friends are still there for me even after I gave them up to be with her. I did not even realize the number of friends i actually had either.