This is good advice, and it has helped. I am looking for a bible story that is anywhere close to our past experiences together. At this time, building a healthy relationship can hurt absolutely nothing. It is really a must because of our children together. The way I was treated is an experience that will never be repeated. I made mistakes, too. I did allow this for so many years. I have already told him that there are standards and boundaries and if he does not like them, or does not honor and respect them, he loses the privelege of speaking to me or seeing me at all. It was mean of me, but I wanted to make sure that he 100% understood me. I whipped out my cell phone and showed him my list and said, "It won't be too difficult to walk away because these men on this list respect my boundaries and live up to my expectations. They are nice men and they realize that if they mess up, they will fall off of that list so fast their head will spin! If they expect me to compromise my beliefs then they are not what I want in a man and I won't waste my time or theirs!" Lots of sentences ended in "and if you don't like it, that is awfully unfortunate!" So far, so good. We are not "together", though. Oh, no. He has to prove to me that he is exactly what I want in a partner BEFORE we get together, not after. The more therapists the better.
How are you doing? I have been very worried about you, but I did not know whether to post that or if it would make you feel worse. Maybe you have been having such a good time that you have not had time to post (I hope). I am trying not to assume the worst. Either way, I will still be your friend.
Smile!
~Sunshine~
