For the last couple years, my wife and (M43) I have been open. And for the last 11 months, I’ve been dating someone (F38) who I quickly came to care about very much.

We’ve called each other boyfriend and girlfriend for the last few months and while things haven’t always been easy, they have been really good. I’ve been incredibly happy to have her in my life. I’ve been very lucky.

We recently ran into a rough patch because I wasn’t meeting her needs when I was away on a work trip and she felt de-prioritized. She communicated this pretty clearly, but I still didn’t come through. I think I heard her even though I didn’t intend to.

Now, we are in a bit of trouble. We’re taking a break for the next few weeks and are going to reevaluate things in the new year. I’m sad about it and I miss her a lot.

Since this is my first significant, committed relationship since opening up, this loss is a pretty new feeling for me. It’s hard and it hurts. I hope that this break helps us both recommit to being there for each other in the ways we need to so we can make this work.