I (30F) recently ended a relationship with my boyfriend (29M) after months of feeling emotionally overlooked and unsupported. I’m a single mom of two daughters. I’m financially stable, have my own home, and fully provide for my kids. I wasn’t looking for someone to rescue me—I was looking for a true partner to build a life with.

When we met, he was making about $42K. Now he’s in the sheriff’s academy making $89K. I supported him emotionally and practically during that transition, and I truly believed in him. He said he loved me, and I loved him deeply.

To be fair, he did show some effort. He went places with me and my daughters, and even took my family on a trip to Arizona. But when it came to real commitment—moving in together, planning a shared future, or building a family—he avoided it.

He told me he has to look out for himself right now and save up financially to buy his own home. He’s also one of the main supporters of his family, so a lot of his time and energy goes to them. I respected that—but it became clear that I was not part of his long-term plan. He told me I have questionable judgment and that he isn’t sure he wants a family with me. When I asked how he viewed a child we were expecting, he got defensive. Eventually, I made the painful decision not to continue the pregnancy, because I realized I was carrying everything—physically and emotionally—on my own.

When I told him I want someone who wants to build financially and emotionally with me, and who sees my daughters as part of the life they’re choosing—not as a burden—he had nothing to say. Just silence. No reassurance. No effort. Nothing.

My mom believes he was stringing me along while holding out for someone “better,” and honestly, that’s what it feels like. I feel incredibly sad, used, and devalued—not just as a woman, but as a mother. I gave so much love and support, and in the end, it felt like I was never seriously considered as part of his future.

AITA for walking away from someone I loved, even though he sometimes showed effort, because he ultimately couldn’t offer the life or partnership I was ready to build?