Asking for a friend: I thought my boyfriend was going to propose over Christmas but instead he told me he needed space and moved out. I feel blindsided and at rock bottom...

"I'm devastated and don't know where to turn. I was expecting a proposal from my boyfriend over Christmas, but instead he told me he wasn't sure if he wanted to still be together. He's moved back to his parents' house, and we have barely spoken since. I'm so angry, but I also know I would take him back in a heartbeat. I don't know what to do."

"He said he wasn't sure about us anymore and needed space. I feel totally blindsided and I hadn't noticed anything out of the norm. We've been together for almost four years and I really thought he was the one. I had even talked about a possible proposal with my friends; now I feel so embarrassed. Some of them know what happened and they are just as shocked as me. They said it's very out of character for him and very odd."

"That is an astonishingly difficult situation to suddenly find yourself in. You will be in a state of shock, probably for some time. You've just had the rug pulled out from under you, and your entire future changed. That's a shock for anyone, regardless of the circumstances. It might be the end, it might not. It really depends on his communication here."

You received an unexpected statement from your boyfriend that he was unsure about continuing the relationship, after anticipating a proposal. He moved back to his parents' house and communication has been minimal. You feel devastated, embarrassed, blindsided, angry, and still willing to reconcile. Friends also find his behavior out of character and are shocked. Immediate emotional reactions and uncertainty about the relationship's future are normal. Recovery and next steps depend on understanding his reasons. Clarifying conversations are necessary to learn whether the issues can be resolved or whether the relationship is a dealbreaker.

Read at Independent