“I’m too much of an empath for this.”

The “but there was a time” pattern is breaking hearts throughout social platforms. People referring to the bittersweet sensation of nostalgia are so moved by the pattern that some say they “hate” it. 

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The pattern seems to have two lanes on TikTok: Parents or married {couples} who’re nostalgic about partying, and/or emphasizing the distinction between their present and previous lives—and individuals who miss their exes. 

Posts from creators pining for misplaced love listing austere routines, private struggles, and tough feelings over present pictures earlier than slicing to picture-perfect photographs from the previous, usually marriage ceremony pictures. The movies come from single folks, divorcees, and widows remembering a time when life felt extra vivid and joyful. 

@brookemonk_ ♬ nothings gonna damage u child – stvrnaudio

The posts emphasize experiences of affection and grief and reveal that many younger divorcees are overworking and counting on Pilates to heal their wounds. Commenters are in tears and begging for the pattern to finish.

“Great, now I’m crying for strangers on the internet again.”

Finn + Darla Forever

@darlagma2 shared the brutal actuality of many older adults who’ve misplaced their companions. “Kids don’t call, Grandkids don’t visit, Spending my days alone, Everyone has passed.” The June 30 publish has 10.6 million views and over 15 thousand feedback from lots of people who couldn’t deal with the feels introduced on by Darla’s contribution to the pattern. 

“Darla, don’t do this to me right now girl 😭.”

“Crying at 9:26 am.”

“Not the wedding photo”

@isabellayork_’s “But there was once a time…” publish from June 23 has 14.1 million views. She wrote, “keeping my peace, dnd, walls up, pilates, working more, nights in, not trusting love, healing myself,” earlier than slicing to a photograph of herself in a fairytale marriage ceremony gown.

Replies ranged from “I’m too much of an empath for this” to “This trend is so sad.”

He doesn’t miss her—however he does.

A June 27 publish from @babyjakee13 bought 11.1 million views and had commenters begging for the pattern to finish. The TikTok person’s unhappy listing included, “no roster, phone on dnd, 50-hour work weeks, therapy twice a month.” 

“I don’t miss her, but I do miss loving someone,” he added. 

“‘But there was once a time’ REF MAKE IT STOP.”

“Y’all need to start kissing these bricks before throwing them at me.”

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