Dear Annie: This is a tough situation and I’m at a loss for what to do next. First, I’ve been battling a worsening depression for a few years now. I was 34 when I lost my mom on Memorial Day of 2022 and then my dad to a broken heart the next year. After many trials and tribulations through life, I brought myself slightly out of my depression to start working at Walmart, where I met who I thought was the man of my dreams.

Everything was perfect at first, and my heart and soul finally felt at ease. But we moved in together quickly, partly because of the bad circumstances I was living in, but also because I felt like it was exactly where I wanted to be. I soon fell in love with his children, too, and they pretty much became mine. But he started adult life married with children, and I know he’s feeling like he missed out on a lot of fun that he’s jealous I got to have.

He started doing a temporary overnight project remodeling another Walmart from now until April, which seemed like a beneficial idea to help get bills caught up and find me a car. But he’s been spending every night with another coworker of ours who claimed to be a friend of mine and knew of our relationship and still continued to pursue him. I can’t blame her totally, but I definitely feel intentionally disrespected.

I have very limited means and no form of transportation of my own. He said he loves me and that I’d be a perfect housewife, but I guess he’s looking for something else. He said I could stay as long as I wanted and he was going to help me find a car and get myself situated. But I don’t want that. I want him and his children and our awesome life together. But he says he doesn’t feel the sparks of being in love with me, which feels like he loves me like he loves the dog. I’m trying to give him his space and be understanding, but I guess I’m unclear if I should give up, keep trying or what. Thank you so much for any advice. — Sad and Confused

Dear Sad and Confused: It’s been said that when someone likes you, you’ll know. If they don’t, you’ll be exactly what you are now: confused. This man may have felt strongly for you earlier on in your relationship, but the fact is, his feelings seem to have changed.

Don’t settle for less than you’re worth. You deserve more than someone who is unsure of you. You deserve to be more than someone’s “housewife.” Let this relationship go and focus on bettering the one you’ll have for the rest of your life — the one you have with yourself.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.