Hello and welcome

Hi FM, When I hear your pain it makes me think that you could ease it by adjusting some of your expectations. 'No matter how much I love my yf he'll never love me the same way' This may be true. But he will still love you. And you can have a great relationship with him. If you are hoping that he won't grow up, won't want a girlfriend, that the dynamics of your relationship won't change as he ages, that he won't become the man he's destined to become... then all these hopes will be smashed against the shores of reality. But if you can adjust your expectations and learn to be happy with what you have with your YF rather than what you don't have then I think you will come out on the other side with less bruises and more to hold onto. Sure he wants to spend less time with you... he's at the age of wanting to establish his own identity, mark out some of his own territory, find a mate (and it obviously isn't going to be you). You have been like a parent to him... so now is the time to give him some space... guide and love him through his transition. There's no reason you can't stay his close friend forever if you put the effort in. Then one day you get the joy of being there for HIS kids, the guy he looks to for help and guidance when its his turn to be the parent. This season of change won't last forever. Teens go into their own space for a while then come out the other end as adults. Hang in there, let go of his childhood, embrace him as an emerging adult and enjoy it for what it is rather than what it can never be. He can't be your boy bride as much as we may wish for such things. And one last thing. If you are craving time with him, ask for it. Tell him you are dying to spend some time with him and suggest an activity you know he'll like to do. Time is short. Blessings Cat.