View Full Version : Friends with an ex.Possible?
jre14
Jan 16, 2010, 05:17 PM
Threads merged
Okay so I will try to be as brief as possible and not rant too much.
I was with my fiancée for 4 years and had been best friends for 6. We are both 24. I thought everything was going fine. I told she was more into the relationship then I was. I wanted to wait to get engaged, until after I was done school. She went out and found an engagement ring and convinced me to buy it (Not conniving! She was being honest at the time I think. She didn't know what she wanted.) She was the one always talking about marriage and all that.
Well, over the holidays she told me she had been cheating for a long time. I'm guessing 1 or 2 months with this guy at her work. No sex at the time she told me, just making out. She was quite upset and angry with herself. But then later that night she went to the guy's house and actually did the deed, for two nights! After the last thing I said to her was to get her head clear and not mess around with this guy! - at least not until we figure our situation out.
All the while I'm a zombie in our apartment not knowing what to think.
She came over 2 days later, much more calm, and we agree - or rather I had no option - that we should take a break. We had grown too much into each other. We were boring and stale. She felt trapped with me. Her boring existence was all my fault.
So I moved back home and we didn't see each other for two weeks. We texted and facebooked. She saying she missed me and I would always reply with something to the gist of, "let's get back together then!" Also, just occasional "how's it going" texts.
I then went over to pick some stuff up and talk. I noticed our pictures were still hanging in our room. We had a nice talk and we agreed that we were still "together" and committed to each other but we need a break to regain ourselves.
Well, then we got drunk and had sex. During which near the end she started regretting it, (she was fully into it earlier). She said I should probably go but then wanted to hug me.
We both kept hugging each other not wanting to say goodbye. As soon as I left I heard her start crying.
Later that week, she texted me at night about how she couldn't sleep and was crying so much over me. I consoled her. She seemed to be sincere in her apologies. Oh you, the day after she told me she cheated, I asked if she was truly sorry. She said "If I said I was I would be lying." Later, she told me she said that because at the time she felt so much relief.
The same week I read on her Facebook about how next time she goes to this all night dance club she wants this guy to be there to "dance her into a trance." Next day: she asks if we should do our taxes as common law again this year.
? What I am suppost to think with these mixed messages?
Last night she went to that club and did E, who knows what she was doing. She's done coke again since we broke up. Just once. I just feel like I don't know her anymore sometimes. She turning into a wild child, like how she was went we first met. But at other times, she the same old girl I love.
Ok, I'm ranting. Basically, I want to know what you guys think. Does she just need time? Or are we done? What's going on with her?
A4Effort
Jan 16, 2010, 06:02 PM
LEAVE HER!! She cheats on you and you hold her hand. She has sex with another man and you are her shoulder to cry on. I know it is hard to let her go since you have know her for quite some time but if any of her feelings were true towards you than she would have not done this to you. You don't slip and accidentally cheat.
No Contact. Start rebuilding your life. Work through this and move on with your life. This sounds harsh but it is what you need to do. Focus on something else and stop all contact with this woman.
Gemini54
Jan 16, 2010, 06:48 PM
It's over. You're done. Sorry, but she's cheated on you and blamed you for her cheating. Now she's cheating on the guy she cheated with!
Even thought it's really hurtful, her behavior is actually telling you both that you need to go and explore other people, other relationships.
You were both so young when you met, and it was too soon to be talking about marriage and real commitment.
Don't be her lap-dog any longer. Time to focus on yourself and broadening your horizons.
You'll never be able to trust her again anyway after the things she's said and done. She wants her freedom - let her go.
jre14
Jan 16, 2010, 08:22 PM
Argh. I know it sounds like the typical situation and I guess I'm being typical by thinking my situation is different. But I do.
I feel like she's just so confused right now. SHe does have mental problems - self esteem issues and such. She was abandoned by her family and has had a lot of hurt in her life. At one point she told me she wanted someone to rely on and to take care of her... I gave that to her.
But I know you guys are right. I don't know why she's stringing me along... or rather I guess I do. She doesn't want to lose me as a person in her life, but she doesn't want to be with me.
It's just so hard. I can't even think about not seeing her, it makes me cry instantly. I put so much trust and faith in her. ANd it's not even the cheating. I can believe that people make mistakes and can be forgiven.What hurts more is that she doesn't want to be with me; that I can't make her happy; that I have to realise that she will no longer be there for me.
It's especially hard because I don't have very many people in my life that I can rely on and be myself around. I was totally myself around her and now that's gone.
p.s. She isn't seeing anyone. She promised that she wouldn't and she knows she needs to be single for awhile. But I do feel that she is flirting with guys at the club - she was always a flirty girl.
This is really effing me up. I'm in school and I can't concentrate. I wake up at night from dreaming about her and can't get back to sleep - she won't leave me mind.
And what do I do about my memories with her, which are pretty much the last 4 years of my life.
I should add: We have lived together since the moment we feel in love. Friends for 2 years, together for 4. During those 4 years we literally and I mean literally spent all our time together - save while we were at work or school.
So everything I remember has to do with her.
How do I reclaim those memories for myself without bawling every time?
Thanks for the replies guys..
A4Effort
Jan 16, 2010, 08:35 PM
The good thing about memories is that you can always create new ones. You said you spent years with her creating those memories. Cherish them but also realize the "not so good" memories too. So now, go out and create new memories. You have not been single for years and now its time to learn how to be single again. You can be very happy again, but you have to take the first step.
Take on a new hobby, start working out, go out and meet new people, join a club, focus more on school, etc...
It gets better with each day. It will take a while but it does get better.
Gemini54
Jan 16, 2010, 09:03 PM
Why would you want to erase those memories? Yes she's your first, yes, you love her, yes it hurts. Welcome to the world of feelings and emotions. Welcome to sadness and grief.
You can't erase the memories, and even in the future thoughts of her may always be tinged with a little sadness and the loss that you experienced.
Did you think that you could escape being human and having feelings? Bawl. Bawl your eyes out. This is a serious and tragic loss for you and you shouldn't underestimate its effect on you.
However, hanging on to her is not the answer. Trying to save her because she had a difficult childhood is not the answer. She can only save herself.
What hurts more is that she doesn't want to be with me; that I can't make her happy; that I have to realise that she will no longer be there for me.
This is the reality. She wants to move on. It is difficult, and it will hurt , but you have to as well.
Talk to your friends and family - tell them you feel sad and mad. Ask them to help you get through this.
Start by packing the physical things that remind you of her away. By not looking at her FaceBook. By doing things that are different to what you did together. By getting stuck into your studies.
Accept that you will feel awful - sad and grieving even angry. You will only get through this if you allow yourself to feel the pain and eventually it will get better. Time is the greatest healer.
roxypox
Jan 16, 2010, 09:03 PM
I'm sorry hun, but mental issues or not... what she has done is wrong... its an insult to you, its and inuslt to your relationship.
I know that you think that this is different.. it really isn't. The reason you think it is different is because now... you're in the situation, you're no longer watching it from the out side or hearing about it.
She cheated on you, she balmed it on you. The relationship is over.
So don't take her back. I understand that this will be hard, you have been best friends for 6 years, together for 4 of them. I'm guessing that she is a REALLy important part of your life.
As for she isn't seeing anyone... 1. didn't the two of you agree that she wasn't going to go further with that guy from work and then she did?
I don't want to cause you unnes. Worry here, but I think the two of you need to go for a real break-up here.
You need to work on this... cause if you don't what'll happen then.
Like A4Effort writes... you can create new memories. The old ones will always be there, but when you create new memoreis and allow new activities and people to take place in your life, they'll be a little more hazy. Especially the once that are painful.
I've read somewhere that the human mind is constructed in such a way that after a while, when looking backwards in life, we only remember the good things (unless it was huuuuge)
I hope this was of some help.
Roxy
Jake2008
Jan 16, 2010, 10:06 PM
While she is doing E and cocaine and raves, the lifestyle is what she wants, and for whatever reason, needs. Her reasons will likely never be known; maybe she doesn't realize herself why she is doing the things she does. But one thing she knows is, you have been her 'rock'.
You have invested your heart and soul into her and your life together, and naturally, it will be complicated and consuming until you have your footing back.
There is good and bad in any relationship. Try taking the good memories with you, and leave the bad behind. You can take the good memories, and how you made them happen, into the next relationship, and add even more as A-4 has said. Create new, without any baggage.
She sounds to me, from what you have said, that she is out of control with her own life, and doesn't know what she wants. She has issues to work through- the drugs, infidelity, self-esteem as you said, and probably a more. These are her issues, and you sound like a saint for allowing yourself to still love her.
She will hopefully realize someday, she lost a good man, through her own actions and nothing else.
Cat1864
Jan 16, 2010, 10:47 PM
I am going to take a bit of a different perspective.
I know you love her. I am not questioning that in the least.
What I want you to think about is that you have had a very unhealthy relationship. She is self-destructive. She hasn't worked through the problems of her childhood. She is expecting the others to 'save' her from herself. You need to be needed. You need to be loved and relied upon.
You have been trying to be her knight in shining armor. You have been trying to keep her safe in a fairytale castle and slay the dragons that she fears. That is what a Knight does. The problem is that the castle is her own mind the dragons are her own thoughts and feelings. You cannot save her from herself. You have become more her parent than her friend or lover. She is the emotional equivalent of a toddler.
She has to be allowed to fall. Until she does, she won't learn how to walk on her own. It is going to hurt both her and you. However, it will be for the best.
I am going to suggest that you find a support group in your area for friends and family of drug/alcohol addicted people. I think you need to meet other people who understand what you have been going through.
jre14
Jan 17, 2010, 11:03 AM
I just can't do it. I can't let her go. I just can't. I'm sitting crying reading these posts. Believing them all but still wanting to work it through.
It's just so hard, so goddamn hard. She really is a good girl. She just messed up for awhile... I don't know. I hate life right now. I have no motivation to do anything and that just makes forgetting her that much harder. But I want her in my life and I know she does too!!
Everything I do I want to do with her. I'm always thinking about how much whatever I'm doing would be better if she was there. I can't get her out of my head and it hurts all the time.
jre14
Jan 17, 2010, 11:06 AM
As for she isn't seeing anyone... 1. didn't the two of you agree that she wasn't going to go further with that guy from work and then she did?
Roxy
We never agreed. When I asked her not to, she just kind of gave a scoff. She had no where to stay but that guys house...
I know I'm making excuses... I'm such a mess.
Cat1864
Jan 17, 2010, 11:22 AM
I just can't do it. I can't let her go. I just can't. I'm sitting crying reading these posts. Believing them all but still wanting to work it through.
Pick up a phonebook and look for a support group like Al-anon (it's for friends and family members of alcoholics) in your area. You need to find out that you aren't the only one going through something like this. YOU need some support.
You need to understand that you are becoming addicted to her melodrama and problems.
You are feeding your need to be needed by trying to care for her. That need is enabling her to push her responsibility off on you and to not deal with it herself. She is running from herself and you are providing the track shoes and a treadmill.
Sometimes loving someone means finding it in yourself to be strong enough to let go.
valkman98
Jan 17, 2010, 03:14 PM
Guy I know it sucks, but one thing your post say is "you" want. Well as hard as this is to hear,You are not what she wants. This pain will go. Ask yourself why do I want someone who causes me pain and can't be trusted? Trust is part of love, you can't trust her so... From going on what you have posted she is just about partying and not being as a couple. Let it go. There comes a time when your childhood stops being the reason for your actions,its called growing up. I am sure she ,as do you ,know right from wrong? She done you way wrong my friend. Get mad and get over it. I don't mean to be harsh, its just easier without the sugar coating. Be strong and think of YOU!
jre14
Jan 17, 2010, 11:19 PM
A4Effort: I realise now why you answered my post the way you did - I read your story.
I guess I should learn from it. But I suppose I won't be... I'll be taking her back soon. We talked today and agreed that we have a future together but something's about us need to change. Just like your story... But I have to do this. Like, what if we ARE meant to be together and we just messed up and were ignorant about love? I have to give it another try. I figure I have nothing to lose. I could be in pain now or in pain later - what difference does it make. At least I would know I gave it my all to make it work. And if it doesn't, that will just be another lesson learned, eh?
jre14
Jan 17, 2010, 11:26 PM
A4Effort: I realise now why you answered my post the way you did - I read your story.
I guess I should learn from it. But I suppose I won't be... I'll be taking her back soon. We talked today and agreed that we have a future together but something's about us need to change. Just like your story... But I have to do this. Like, what if we ARE meant to be together and we just messed up and were ignorant about love? I have to give it another try. I figure I have nothing to lose. I could be in pain now or in pain later - what difference does it make. At least I would know I gave it my all to make it work. And if it doesn't, that will just be another lesson learned, eh?
Gemini54
Jan 17, 2010, 11:27 PM
A4Effort: I realise now why you answered my post the way you did - I read your story.
I guess I should learn from it. But I suppose I won't be...I'll be taking her back soon. We talked today and agreed that we have a future together but somethings about us need to change. Just like your story...But I have to do this. Like, what if we ARE meant to be together and we just messed up and were ignorant about love? I have to give it another try. I figure I have nothing to lose. I could be in pain now or in pain later - what difference does it make. At least I would know I gave it my all to make it work. And if it doesn't, that will just be another lesson learned, eh?
Well I must say that you may as well be beating yourself around the head with a piece of 4X2 but it's your choice. Sigh. Suffer now or suffer later.
jre14
Jan 17, 2010, 11:36 PM
It's just one of those things that I will have to learn myself, you know? I realize that things probably won't work out.
But here's the thing: She wants me to change in certain ways. I know this sounds bad, but I want to change myself in the same way that she does. Not to please her; but who can see your faults better than your loved one? She's made me realize my faults. So I figure, in the very least, she can help me change. Maybe it will work out - maybe not. Either way, I see myself being a better person in the future, with her help.
jre14
Jan 17, 2010, 11:43 PM
I know that everyone who has responded to my post are very wise. I'm a smart guy and I feel that in the end everything you guys have said will prove true. But emotions aren't rational. I needed to follow my heart at this point. Maybe it needs to be broken again before my mind can take over. But I couldn't stand not giving her another chance. It would haunt me more than what she's done.
Sorry for not listening to the wise...
Cat1864
Jan 17, 2010, 11:53 PM
It's just one of those things that I will have to learn myself, you know? I realize that things probably won't work out.
But here's the thing: She wants me to change in certain ways. I know this sounds bad, but I want to change myself in the same way that she does. Not to please her; but who can see your faults better than your loved one? She's made me realize my faults. So I figure, in the very least, she can help me change. Maybe it will work out - maybe not. Either way, I see myself being a better person in the future, with her help.
She has a very strange way of showing love. Cheating, lying, doing drugs, etc. are not healthy for either of you or the relationship.
Sometimes your supposed loved ones see the 'faults' in you that are actually in themselves. Changing for yourself is a good thing to do if you truly believe you need to change. I doubt that you will get any real help from her.
What is she changing? Is she getting any help?
Get into a support group NO MATTER WHAT ELSE YOU DO! Get her into counseling.
jre14
Jan 18, 2010, 12:35 AM
Most of our problems grew from being around each other ALL the time - day in and day out. We had only one circle of friends that we hung out with. Needless to say, there wasn't very much excitement.
I can see how that's not a very fun life. This she wants to change and I do too. I'm not the most outgoing guy - partly due to my drug use - and I want to change that. Essentially what I'm saying is, is that these things in me that she noticed as faults, are faults. I want to change and become a more fun and outgoing guy. That was who I was when she fell in love with me.
She has also grown somewhat stale and wants to become that fun-loving, outgoing girl she was when I fell in love with her.
I must admit that a lot of this probably has to due with fact that we smoked a lot of weed. A lot. During our entire relationship.. haha it's quite ridiculous now that I look back on it.
But we are clear headed now.
So if our future depends on me regaining myself (and her working out her issues, which she has a desire to do), then I can only say yes and try my hardest.
Honestly, though, how can anyone say I shouldn't give her a second chance? Doesn't everyone always deserve a second chance? When were humans ever perfect? How could I go on, knowing that perhaps it could have worked, but not giving us time to prove it?
valkman98
Jan 18, 2010, 02:53 PM
How many 2nd chances does she get? Do what you want keep dreaming, your life, your pain. Good luck.
jre14
Jan 18, 2010, 09:57 PM
Just one second chance. And that's what I'll give. :)
Got to follow my heart one this one... no matter what my head says.
roxypox
Jan 19, 2010, 07:33 PM
Well...
Best of luck
Roxy
jre14
Feb 11, 2010, 10:48 PM
Threads merged
Ok, so my ex-fiancee broke up with me for good a few days ago. We were on a "break" but still "committed to eachother," and were going to try to work things out. Then she says she doesn't want that commitment right now. She still says she wants it to work out in the end, but wants to date other guys and experience life first... this after she lead me on, making me think we were going to try to work things out, sooner rather than later.
Of course, she wants to be friends.
My question is, Is it really possible to become friends with an ex? Does it matter if we were the best of best friends before we got involved? (Her and I were awesome best friends for 2 years before we started our 4 year living-together-relationship). Has anyone here had a success friendship with an ex? If so, what is the criteria to make it work?
Thank you.
amicon
Feb 11, 2010, 11:11 PM
Right now concentrate on getting over the breakup.
Perhaps you can be friends some time in the future,but what would benefit your healing the most is no contact and getting on with your life,without her in it.
Once you get dumped, you get busy doing your own thing and let them do theirs.
jaffeyjoeblaze
Feb 11, 2010, 11:17 PM
Let it go... you guys must write your own path now... no need to wait for her...
It is possible to be friend but not right now...
For example I had an ex who cheated on me while her mother died from cancer... it took me like 2 yrs to get over that but now we are fine as friends and never bring up the break up...
I only have a friendly relationship and nothing more
CanIBuyAClue
Feb 12, 2010, 01:37 AM
Is it possible? Yes. Is it possible right now? HEELLLL NO! Disappear and start re-building your life as an individual.
Kitkat22
Feb 12, 2010, 02:25 AM
Having a friendly relationship will only give you false hope. There are a lot of nice women out there just looking for a nice guy. You could be the one.
Romefalls19
Feb 12, 2010, 07:06 AM
It is possible to have a friendship but only after the emotional dust settles. Right now, all a friendship would give you is confusion, false hope and headaches. You don't need that to add to your heartache. Go NC and let it settle
dynocompe
Feb 12, 2010, 08:40 AM
I have been friends with a ex, after about a year later!
Never possible to be friends right now, never, be painful and you would never lose the feelings for her. Be very depressing time.
Just tell her, you love her too much, and can't be her friend, because you will be wanting more. So maybe in the future we could be friends again
talaniman
Feb 12, 2010, 09:00 AM
Heal from the break up and anything is possible. Otherwise trying to be a friend after a break up is usually an emotional mess.
talaniman
Feb 13, 2010, 08:11 PM
You don't have to bump a thread! Just offer feedback is a better way to get a response.
jre14
Feb 14, 2010, 04:36 PM
Sorry guys
I realize that we can't be friends right now but my situation is
Especially hard. Everyone of my friends is a mutual friend with her. I was hanging out with them on the weekend and she texted one asking to hang. She knew I was with them but didn't mind, (which was weird since days earlier she said she wanted lots of time away from me) They asked me if it was all right. I immediately said no (my gut reaction and advice from this forum) but then said it would be OK. I felt I would be denying them access to her or something and that I could deal with it. (I can't: it made things worst, just like I knew it would. But I again taking a chance that maybe WE were different).
It just sucks. Now they have to choose who to hang out with. I don't think I have the right to say they can't be friends with her. I just don't know what do to. I feel so lonely. She has many other friends. I only have my handful of friends who are now in the middle of this mess. This will make nc so much harder.
It's awkward to think that they get to be with her while I do don't. That they'll meet her new boyfriend etc. It puts everyone in a weird spot... Except her I suppose. It feels like she gets to have her cake and eat it too. Also feels unfair since they are helping her get over me (as well as helping me). I don't want to be a sadist but I want her to share my pain... Cause I have enough for the both of us.
How do I broche this with them? I don't want to make them choose between us if say, we both want to hang out on the same night. Feels like a competition.
Btw I have a hard time making real friends, I'm not the most out-going guy, especially while I'm going through this painful sitution. So advice like "go out and meet new people" isn't very helpful right now.
P.S. I see the threads have been merged. Lol.
Yes you guys were right from the start. I should've listened. I was dumb, obviously. We never really did get back together or anything. But we, I, did entertain false-hope.
I've learned my lesson, I needed to learn it myself I guess. Hopefully, some people aren't as stupid as me and take the advice given on this forum. These are wise people.
Kitkat22
Feb 14, 2010, 04:41 PM
You are not stupid! Stop putting yourself down. We all have done stupid things when it comes to love. You need to have more confidence in yourself and move on. It Will Get Better! You are not stupid!
talaniman
Feb 14, 2010, 04:42 PM
So advice like "go out and meet new people" isn't very helpful right now.
Maybe that was the lesson of this whole experience. To get you out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons.
You never know what your capable of until you try something different.
jre14
Feb 14, 2010, 04:59 PM
Well, OK, it's not that I'm totally socially awkward or anything; I'm not. I recently went back to school last sept and have met and made friends with plenty of my classmates. But they are school friends right now, you know. Like I hang out with them after school and all that but not on the weekend, which is when I have the toughest times.
Also, a lot of them are younger and party hard! Not quite what I want. I'm more of a get together with a few friends and chill out kind of guy. Plus, they mostly live across the city and I have no car :( . It just makes it really hard to find time to be with them.
Kitkat22
Feb 14, 2010, 06:09 PM
Well, ok, it's not that I'm totally socially awkward or anything; I'm not. I recently went back to school last sept and have met and made friends with plenty of my classmates. But they are school friends right now, you know. Like I hang out with them after school and all that but not on the weekend, which is when I have the toughest times.
Also, a lot of them are younger and party hard! Not quite what I want. I'm more of a get together with a few friends and chill out kinda guy. Plus, they mostly live across the city and I have no car :( . It just makes it really hard to find time to be with them.
You'll find the right friends. Good Luck
vanheart
Feb 14, 2010, 07:21 PM
You need someone that's true, not this.
Let her figure out what she wants. Don't wait around for this person.
Its obvious she wants her cake & eat it too. For whatever reasons. Let her party down.
Its not for you to save her.
Cat1864
Feb 14, 2010, 08:04 PM
You need someone thats true, not this.
Let her figure out what she wants. Dont wait around for this person.
Its obvious she wants her cake & eat it too. For whatever reasons. Let her party down.
Its not for you to save her.
Did you read the entire thread? There are merged threads. His last one is about them not being together.
jre, do you have any interests that might give you another outlet for finding friends?
As for the current ones, be honest with them. Let them know that you don't really want to put them in the middle, but you don't want to lose their friendship, either. They will have to make their own decisions. This is something that will tell you who 'your' friends are.
By the way, you aren't stupid. You were too involved to see the big picture. It happens. Good luck getting your life straightened out.
vanheart
Feb 15, 2010, 12:26 AM
Yup, I did. Its not about me.
Just commenting on the essence.
Just cutting to the chase.
Sorry, yes, you're right.
Realize who your friends are...
vanheart
Feb 15, 2010, 09:54 PM
Jre,
There's lots of things to do if you venture out especially out of your comfort zone. Don't worry how o get there, just go. Even if it by yourself.
There's cool people galore. There's really nothing holding you back from finding them.
You have things you dig & don't need to be a part of anything that doesn't make you happy & feel good. Remember those ones?
You have the whole world as your oyster, slurp it... Rock on.
jre14
Feb 16, 2010, 12:36 PM
Also, another question.
My ex fiancee's little sister, 14, adores me. We still talk on Facebook, mostly her initiative. She thinks of me as a big brother. Now I know one of the rules is that being friends with your ex's family members is not OK. So how do I handle this? I feel like if I break contact with her, she won't understand and be hurt by it...
Romefalls19
Feb 16, 2010, 12:44 PM
You tell her due to your sister and I breaking up I'm not going to be able to communicate with your anymore. It would be too hard for me to keep in contact right now but maybe one day we can be friends again
vanheart
Feb 16, 2010, 01:02 PM
Exactly.
NC isn't to hurt anyone. Its for you to heal.
Plus you don't need to hear anything vicariously that will slow down your process.
dynocompe
Feb 16, 2010, 01:14 PM
One of my ex;s, her sister became really close to me. When me and her broke up, her sister still talked to me all the time. I had no contact with the ex ever, but me and her sister continued the friendship. Her sister always came to me with her boyfriend, friend and family problems.
The ex thanked me for being there for her sister like3 years later, and that was that. I didn't find any harm in it . And me and her sister are still friends until this day, but she has now moved away. But it didn't halt my getting over the ex in anyway to me. Her sister was around the same age too 14 at that time. Every time I see her now, she still gives me a hug. I think our bond is great and caused no harm.
Her parents almost go ta divorce, and while they were fighting, she even came and stayed over for a couple nights. After the first night, her mom even came to my house and asked if she could stay a bit longer, so I truly think I helped in the long run. When I see the sister, I didn't think of the ex at all. She liked talking to me, because I knew her family so well most likely, and knew I would understand.
I honestly think I helped her become the young woman she is today! She was headed in a bad direction.
jre14
Feb 16, 2010, 01:18 PM
Thanks for sharing that. Yes this sister I speak is also having some trouble in her life. I think I've had a positive influence on her. She doesn't really even talk about my ex. So I don't think that would be an issue. She's 14, she wants to talk about herself! Lol
bella99
Feb 16, 2010, 02:37 PM
I just read your entire thread. Read mine - its really long but it'll show you why being friends with an ex is super hard. I think he and I could potentially be friends in maybe a year or two when there are no feeligns left, but until then no dice. We had a LOT of mutual friends which made things incredibly awkward for about 6 months until I got my act together and said no more.
Its really hard to do no contact - and you have to do something to keep yourself from looking at her Facebook - and any friends that hang out with her often's facebooks.
I know you said "go out and do something" isn't the advice your looking for, but really it is the key. I basically just started spending more time at the gym then going jogging and to the beach. Decided to go sky diving and go kayaking and do things that didn't remind me of my ex. I made it my mission to meet new people. It is really hard but eventually you won't think about her so often. I had to force myself to think about all of the terrible things my ex did to me in order to realize that I could find someone better who cared more about me.
You guys were young when you met, and have done everything together for multiple years. That was how my first real relaitonship was (not the relationship that my thread is about). I met this guy fell madly in love and we were together for 3 years but then I started thinking that I would never experience anything else in life - I love dhim but needed to go out and do my thing until I was ready to settle down - I know where she is comign from (I didn't do coke or e or anything tho). She NEEDS to be left alone - left to make her own mistakes and learn from them. If you try to stick around to be her shoulder to cry on - you will always just be that. She probably does care about you still - that's hard to change - but she is young and needs to experience the world. And so do you!
Don't sit around moping while she is out having fun - don't be her rock - let her fall and learn - one day when it is supposed to happen you will meet another woman who will make your heart flip again.
jre14
Feb 16, 2010, 03:16 PM
^^This hit home. Thank you for sharing, I really appreciate it.
I feel like I'm getting better but at a moment's notice, all the pain is back and I well up... argh.
bella99
Feb 16, 2010, 03:24 PM
my thread that is called something like friends with ex mutual friends or something like that (click on my name and look at all threads I've started). IF nothing else it will distract you for a few hours while you read it :)
And seriously you are going to feel like that for a while - I still lhave random days where I wish it all had worked out - but it doesn't for a reason. You just have to be determined not to let someone else's choices ruin your life. You get one life - live it up!
jadeflower1989
Feb 16, 2010, 03:41 PM
It souds like you are in a really messy situation. I'll tell you something a chaplain told me when I was in a similar situation. It might sound a little harsh, but he said if you love something you have to set it free, and if it loves you too, it will come back, and if it doesn't then you hunt it down and you shoot it. Well, it made me smile anyway. I think you should stay away from her for awhile, maybe even years, but if you are meant to be together it will happen in its own time when you are both ready. It sounds like things are pretty painfull for both of you, let it heal. Then see what you really want.