Cookie, welcome! Do you feel that you are getting enough space and time for yourself and do you set healthy boundaries? I have felt this before when spending too much time with someone and not having my own separate activities and friendships. It could also be something about the other person that is causing that. I decided to continue to do my own thing and set boundaries, not letting someone dictate what I do and telling them if I need space. I now feel much less smothered, and I think my relationship is healthier. Not saying this is the case for you, I just thought of it since you took care of that other man and maybe you end up in a caretaking role, or some other dynamic that leaves you feeling smothered.