My partner[34M] and I [30F] have been together for almost 8 years, but lately, I've been struggling to figure out if I'm just going through a rough patch or if the relationship has run its course. We've built a life together, but the struggles are not new and I'm feeling drained as well as uncertain about our future. I'm looking for recommendation for books, podcasts, or any educational resources to help me with:
- Discerning "The End': how to tell the difference between "we can work through this" and "we are no longer compatible"
- Communication & Conflict: tools for breaking old patterns that have led to this moment
- The Emotional Side: Dealing with the fear of leaving something that is comfortable and learning "who I am" and "what I want" in life
If you've been in a similar spot after years together, what helped you gain clarity? I'm open to anything from clinical psychology-based books to personal experiences about long-term relationship struggles.
Thank you in advance for the help.