At what point is it grief vs. being pushed away
https://www.reddit.com/r/Petloss/s/jUjc8GNfSo
Update since my original post linked above:
That post was from last December. It’s May now.
Since then, we’ve only spoken twice, and both times I was the one who initiated contact. I called on their birthday—they didn’t answer. I called again a few days later, and they did answer. They told me about what they did for their birthday, including hanging out with other people.
We haven’t spoken since.
For context, ever since their dog passed, I’ve been the one reaching out every single time. I’ve tried to be understanding because grief affects everybody differently, and I know losing a pet can be devastating. That’s why I gave space, checked in gently, dropped off food, etc.
But at this point I’m starting to feel less like “they’re grieving” and more like I’m being quietly pushed aside. I understand not having the capacity for a friendship for a while, but it’s confusing when nobody actually says that and I’m left trying to read the situation myself.
I don’t expect constant communication, especially after a loss, but I also can’t keep being the only person trying to maintain the friendship. Part of me feels guilty for even thinking this way because death is involved, but another part of me feels like if someone wants you in their life, eventually they make some effort too.
Am I tripping?