How to regain trust. Is it worth it? Or do you move on?
Hey everyone. I'm new to the site. Looking forward to sharing our ups and downs together :)
I figured being online is a good place to anonymously discuss problems. I'm a male, 30 and living in Canada.
I've spent all my time since 18 working in the technology sector as a software developer (amongst various other hats). But I can summarize my relationship experience as nilch. It's not that I didn't have any, it's more like I moved around a lot. And changed companies a lot. Which meant my maximum relationships lasted merely a few months. Plus, I was really good at one night stands and keeping multiple girls (who didn't want committed relationships) on the go. I used to take pride in that ;)
Now that you know I was promiscuous, I was not a cheater or a liar. And believe me, I have had my share of confontations!
Where I am at now is a difficult road to travel. One year ago, I began dating a girl who is a lot different then any girl of my past. You'd consider her very plain and pretty with a small town smile. She's shy, and obvoiusly very self conscious. I instantly fell in love with this girl.
Keep in mind, I've never fallen in love before. So I gave this girl my heart, tolder her that. And in return she did the same. We both matched each others love and giving.
She had some major issues with my sexual past. She had "apparently" only had 3 boyfriends before me. The 3 boyfriends each lasted for 2-3 years. With a face like hers, it screamed innocense.
Well like all stories go, there is a twist. A few weeks ago she had left her email open on my laptop. Man I felt like such a jerk. I had no reason to be suspicious. But like the idiot I was, I went snooping.
It wasn't hard, because there was a hotmail folder entitled "My Stuff". Which of course was full of emails from nearly 10 different men. Her 3 prevoius boyfriends had turned into 10 and they were all overlapping.
While dating a man for 3 years, she also slept with numerous other men at the same time. Totally for almost 1 year. One of those men was even married and had a child!
So wow right? Then some of the emails were dated within the first few months of our relationship, but showed no signs of sex.
Well, of course I confronted her. Still feeling like a jerk for sneaking her email. (BTW she doesn't blame me for that). She cried and I cried.. It went on for days. She confronted and confessed her sins to her family and friends.
I believe when she says there was no sexual activity during our relationship. I do honestly believe that. And I do honestly believe she is trying to find out why she was that person. She has been seeing a shrink who has exposed a lot of rooted family issues regarding violence, lying and lack of discipline. Her chubby self esteem issue had affected her judgement and selfworth.
So you see, this girl lives with me now. And she has been doing so much to "understand" her situation and her past. She really knows she is different and has "grown up".
But here is the delimma... While she was lying to me about who she was. Lying to me about what she had done. And additionally lying to her closest family members and friends, etc. I was giving this girl my heart. I was promising her a lifetime of happiness. Singing old 50's love songs to her. "Everyday, it's a getting faster. everyone says go ahead and ask her. Love like yours will surely come my way...".. etc
So now that this month has been hell for us. And she's on her way to becoming a great and better person. I am soooooo damaged and hurt. My past relationship experience says "Get out and find some new pu$$y to bang". What's left of my heart says "Please no more pain!"
And on the flip side, my personal growth, understanding and future expectations says "dude, this girl can be perfect if it works out! Remember the good times? You want those back right" , etc, etc..
Let me say, that there are more good then bad right now... BUT the bad KILLS ME!
So what's the problem? Here we go...
I simply can't see her for who she was. The innocent girl I once knew. Her body looks corrupt to me now. She gave herself away to multiple men at the same time. I read the "love letters" to these men. She said things to these men that she'd never say to me!
I'm programmed to think our sex sucks because she used to "drink" to have sex. And have crazy sex with men when she knew it was wrong and therefore exciting. Our "love sex" practically puts her to sleep. But, the nights when i'm a ravaged beast, she loves it. But I don't always want to be a ravaged beast! I want love! She says she wants to learn to have "love sex".
Man so many problems. So much to type. Those who even got this far, what are you thinking?
Why can't I just forgive her and move forward? I have no clue! I've never forgiven anyone before. I am sort of a perfectionist of sorts too. I also really don't know what the signs are gonna be that everything is okay.
It's like i'm looking for some big flashin sign that says "Okay you're ready to love her again".
I mean, all she friggin wants is me to love her. But I feel if i love her again, that will be like saying "It's okay to be a friggin retard again."
What to do what to do... ho hummmmmm