In 2004 I made a conscious decision to radically alter the way I was in the world. I lived my whole life as an observer.... not a participant.After certain events in my life, such as my Father passing and being in a relationship with a woman who had small children, ages 2 and 4 yrs old when we got together, would completely change my life as I knew it. I never realized what effects my behavior and lack of emotional intimacy was having on the people close to me and myself as well. I lived that way my whole life. What I didn't realize was that I didn't need those "survival skills" anymore.....but knew no other way. So after seeing that I do affect people, and that children are our teachers as well as mirrors and sadly that my larger than life, constant abuser, my Father passed away never feeling pure joy. I decided I'd do whatever it took to learn how to participate in life and experience all the things people experience everyday......from something as simple as feeling emotions to yes just recently falling in love. And with that also a broken heart. I was single for 4 1/2 years and when I met her I fell head over heals. I think I may have smuthered her. I just loved being with her. How do "healthy partners handle amount of time together and "alone time" We were only dating for 2 1/2 months. We live 39 miles from each other and work different shifts. I didn't think weekends were asking too much? any thoughts. My emotions came out all sideways, intead of a mature "i miss you" was more like pulling pigtails during recess. please share your  experience

thanks Donna