Hi redhead,
You are there... how nice... it is 4:58 am. What time do you have? I love to talk to you too.
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Hi redhead,
You are there... how nice... it is 4:58 am. What time do you have? I love to talk to you too.
Based on the background music and my circumstance, I automatically assumed it was my ex. I cannot prove it, I might be wrong, but certainly it shaked my emotion enough...
What I feel? It was like it was a call from my past still haning there, but start to fading in pain...
Rebecca,sometimes we have to fight to save ourselves.
Sink or swim.
Don't sink, you have the strength inside you to get through this.
Anyone who has posted on your thread can see your strength through your posts,I only can amagine how strong you really are.
You need a hug.. seriously.
You need a friend,and you need to tell other people in your life what has happened.
Its hard,and there is no shame in it.
He fooled you,duped you... it has happened to me,and I was embarresed and ashamed to tell my family,so I hid my pain and what had happened in my own life, not until I told my family,and friends,did I start to truly heal.
If like me you're the type of persom who likes to keep their own council,its harder... but I'm afraid to tell you,your human... and its OK to be hurt, and cry and feel like a mess...
Dig deep for that strength rebecca.
Time to change your number,and put in place a safely drill.
Its time rebecca.
He may have had a few drinks and just made the call,but as he is on your mind,you are on his,but I doubt your both thinking the same things.
A few simple measures for your own safely is in order...
I'm sure all this can be devastating. You should be happy that you found out now instead of later. You have much more time now to find someone more suitable and respectful. This guy hurt you. The excuses he said are the worst ever. I am glad you discovered al this. Be proud of yourself for not accepting his nonsense. That was ridiculous! I wouldn't lose sleep over him because he isn't worth it. Pick yourself up and know that you have self respect and you are a strong woman. You did nothing wrong and the only wrong was him. Be happy for all this being so clean cut and there is no confusion like all the other stories of what to do or not. This was easy and you don't have to deal with much confusion. He is a cheater who doesn't care about you at all. That guy is insane. Any other guy you find would be 10 times better. Don't cry anymore. And have a good night. You rock and he sucks. The world knows this and guys in the world can't wait to meet a wonderful woman like you. Come meet us. Take a shower and get your best clothes on and come out. We can't wait to meet you! See you soon! Wow you are awesome!
redhead,
It seems we are similar…
I am the person to value self esteem and self respect high.
I have a tendency to resolve any personal issues by myself, not going out to speak loudly to friends and family. I have been that way forever. I love to carry myself in grace, and I avoid to see people if I cannot present myself in the level I can accept.
I am staying here, while avoid the whole world, trying to heal myself in my safe cave. When I feel better to see sunlight, I will go out again and smile, and join them... Isn’t it a good idea?
emopunk7,
I need to say you did a great job to cheer me up! I can tell how nice person you are.
I agree his excuses he said were the worst ever. I was speechless and could not believe what I heard from him at that moment.
How did you know I did not take a shower? It is only 5 am...
Give me some time.
I promise I will take care of myself good, and meet the whole world again as a new woman! Thanks again.
There was a time I would have said move over and make some room for me!
You just described the way I deal with problems and hurt, and its not a bad way to be.
The thing is rebecca,this time the plate is very full,and you can't take the weigth of this hurt alone,its hard to go against the grain,and it's a damn lonely place to be... I have only sought the support of my family and friends twice in my adult life,they know how I am,and when I finally plucked up the courage to admit I was weak and needed them,you know it was a relief... the first time was after the death of my daughter,I thought I have always been strong,I can do this too,I could not... the second was when I found out the man I was in love with was addicted to drugs, I was totally blind sided by that,and felt like a fool.
And even though I loved him,I knew he would destroy me if I stayed with him... I tried to deal with it on my own,but eventually I realised I had to let him go, and I needed help to do that,he tormented me, and nearly drove me into a physc ward.. but I asked for help.
I learned something about myself in those times and so did my other children and family...
That was,I am strong,but its OK to be weak and ask for help and get strong again.
redhed35,
I need to say you are a beautiful person inside and out.
It is intriguing to hear your personal story. I am glad you went through all very well. Sorry about your daughter. She must be a beautiful girl as her mother. I cn imagine your pain…but stay strong. Your daughter is in heaven where the most beautiful angels are living at. She should be fine there. Be happy for her.
I agree with your point, you are always right, say something always with confidence, and I adore it so much. But I am not afraid of loneliness. Indeed, it is sweet to be lonely. In my safe cave, I take time as much as I like to do, and look inside of me well, feel for me, and finally fall in love with me. It is OK. I know I will not sink. I will swim gracefully again, and now I am sitting here to gain energy. Let’s say it is beauty sleep period to be more beautiful person in near future. My time will come again. I know I will be happy again.
Yes, I have to admit rebecca,that perhaps taking time out to heal and gather yourself is good start.
I think everyone who views your thread would have concerns for your safety regarding your ex.
I crave time on my own,and need it to be mentally strong and also to reflect.
Although in saying that,since I found AMHD,I've become totally addicted! And free time is sitting at the computer.
In saying that,I have a hunger for knowledge and always learn something from other posters,its quite amazing how this site and the people here get under your skin.
redhed35,
I agree with you all you said. Craving is necessary to reflect what I learned into me, and it makes me a better person. See, that’s how you become so wonderful woman.
I happily agree that this site is truly amazing, and I cannot believe my luck I could meet these wonderful & wise people here anytime!! It implies you are one of the amazing people in my list too. When I posted my divesting story, you gave me the straight answer almost instantaneously. That changed the whole direction, and my confusion was gone already. You do not even know how much I appreciate you.
So, this site alone, I already got rewarded from my breakup. If I did not suffer the incident, I would not find this treasure land. I also admit it is addictive!! Ha Ha. However, it is good addiction, we learn about ourselves & the real life story nobody even talk about it in public anywhere in this earth. I also learned we actually can help people who really seek “the help” in confusion & crisis. My only regret is I should find it long time ago. I need to tell you, you are doing the great job to help people as you assume. Please keep enjoying your addiction, and help others please.
Regarding to safety, I appreciate everyone concerns me more than my friends. It feels so nice to know that there are so many nice people out there, help each other, and care about each other truly. It makes me more positive about this world. Should I worry about my safety though? He was cheater, but not attacker. I do not feel physically threatened. He has no mental illness history, highly educated successful man. What do you think?
I think that even the most stable educated person can lose there grip on reality, when confusion,fear and a feeling of 'why is she/he doing this to me?'and a feeling of 'what did I do to deserve this'? Permeates their conscious all sense of right and wrong goes out the window..
I'm not above admitting that I have in the past succummed to anger and lashed out...
From what your posting on his behaviour, to me,it sounds like he is gearing up,not letting go..
Although,I say this coming from my own experience,each breakup creates its own ripple effect.
All I'm saying rebecca is,be aware,and alert.
Rebecca, if the phone call was from him, it may be that this past week has been the lull before the storm starts back up again. Please be careful and keep your eyes open.
There is absolutely no weakness in admitting that you need advice and help. Everything needs a good support system and foundation. Think about any of the 'strongest' structures on Earth and how much support they need to be stay strong.
I do still think you need to be honest with your father at the very least. You need someone you trust who can deal with anything that happens as quickly as possilbe to be aware of everything that is going on. I know you want to be a mature adult and handle your own problems. This is a part of being that adult.
Now, that I have given my lecture can I offer everyone a big hug?
Can I get some action on those hugs too :D?
Rebecca, what you are doing is great, really great. This site is actually really helpful. Get the help you need, then help some more people. Don't think you're alone we're all here thinking for your own good.
Rebecca,
This has been a great exchange, but I want to add to others who are urging you to tell real people in your life what is going on and to take safety precautions. It's not that we aren't real, but that because this is anonymous we can't help you in real time if your ex does something.
None of us can know for sure if he is capable of violence. But there are things you've said that make some of us think it's a possibility. What determines whether a man will be violent against a woman, is not education or mental illness. This is WELL researched. Educated men are just as likely to do this. Think of Just Looking if you want a recent example. My own ex, who broke my arm, was a tenured university professor. The rate of mental illness is not higher among abusive men than among non abusive men. (Mental illness may result in worse violence, but not in whether it happens.)
One important predictor of violence is Entitlement, the sense a person has that they are better than other people and deserve things. Many men are raised to think that women are meant to do for them to be there for them when they want them. Your ex has shown a HIGH degree of Entitlement. Think of this idea he had that he could just put you on hold while he sowed his wild oats. How much more entitled can you get than that? I'll tell you: thinking you can do that and SAY IT to you. He felt entitled to cheat and entitled to defend his cheating when you confronted him. In his view, you are a possession. I suspect he was really surprised when you stood up for yourself because you are probably mostly really nice. Being dumped didn't feel nice to him.
His self image may be that he's a nice guy, but in his mind, your refusal to do what you are supposed to do, go back and behave, is "forcing" him to not be nice. When violent men are interviewed later, they always insist that they were forced to be violent by the woman's actions. They say things like, "She wouldn't get in the car; she was acting crazy, so I had to hit her." They actually feel it's their JOB to control the women in their lives.
Please, please confide in your family and closest friends that he was unfaithful (and it doesn't matter exactly how far that went) and that he has been stalking you. You don't need to share all the details. It is not a reflection on you that he is behaving this way. Please do not let pride put you in jeopardy.
Please, please take safety precautions.
Asking
Dear asking,
Asking,
I follow you, you are well said from your valuable experience as usual, and I agree with you. Thank you for taking your time, think about my situation in detail, and giving me warm note & precious advice. You are so considerate and caring.
Yes, I will be very very cautious!
I agree he had high degree of entitlement. He is well aware of that he is a man with a desirable package (only surface though), and he can get attention from any girls. He thinks he is better than others, and since he chose me, I have to appreciate to be his choice and stick with him. For him, he did not feel like he has to loose the entitlement even he still wants to play around. I knew he set him as the first degree citizen, and tried to make me as second degree citizen who has less freedom & choice, and have to take whatever the fist class citizen give. This setting will only work if the second degree citizen accepts it. I am not the second degree citizen at all. Far from it. Every single woman is equally good enough to be the first class citizen. I do not need my master to obey. I am only laughing at his false hope which is way off from norm. I realized it well on the day I found out his cheating.
On the day of break, I only said a single word. “L.E.AV.E!”
That was it. I offered no further discussion, no chances for him to continue lay out his excuses. I even washed my lips and hands with soaps in front of him to humiliate him. I knew exactly what I was doing, and I did it intentionally to kill his ego. It was clear message that I just downgraded him as a dirty pig which I do not even want to touch anymore. I was in fierce, and did not want to degrade my soul to be involved in such a low level of relationship or argument. Please be aware of that it was not come from arrogance, but justice. I came on this board as lost feeling, but got 100% support, and I was very happy & encouraged about the action I made prior to join board.
I do not feel like I am dumper though. If he thinks that way, it is a huge mistake, and he is pointing his finger to me not to him. It is nonsense. Even though I technically dumped him, he was the one has cheated on me, so it meant he has dumped me for months behind of my back in fact. He has no right to be angry, and no mouth to speak. If he ever gets angry, even though he was not good enough to do it anyway, that is because I did not give him a chance to apologize, and I did not listen what he wanted to say afterwards. My life is precious, and I do not want to spare any more moments to listen to the BS.
I thought I was confused upon the unimaginable treatment, but indeed I am not the one really confused. He is. He lived in his illusion. Maybe still he does. He understood my grace as weakness, gentle nature as low self-esteem, sweet nature as a sign of no-resistance.
As you pointed out, I am aware of that he could be violent if he wants to be when he gets angry. He picked up a fight when a guy stared me at a club one night. However, he constantly has displayed that he deeply despises men abuser who physically hurt women in his many legal trials, and I have to think physical enforcement will not likely happen between us.
But I am getting smarter. Talking is easy, and everybody has limits, while he/she likes to say only something nice. He never told me he would cheat on me either, and I need to be aware of the possibility to protect myself. I honestly am foreseeing he will try to see me in person at least one more time before he makes complete drawback. He might be resentful or frustrated by now. He might even simply try to hurt me as revenge (even though he has no right for revenge after he has done the cheating) since he cannot have me anymore, and I will likely end up with a lucky man in future. I will do my best to protect me for any worst scenario. I hinted my break up to my parents. My father is wise man, and he knows how and he does everything to protect me. I am safe.
I am learning a lot in these days more than I could imagine. Obviously there were too many things I did no know before. Thank you again.
See, how nice my weekend goes without him...
:)
Okay, BIG HUGS for everyone. :D
Rebecca, don't try to fool yourself. You are a strong person. You may not feel like it all the time, but you are.
I am very glad you have a family that even if they don't know the full story are there to give you support.
I want one! :D
Rebecca, I am always hesitant to post on your thread, but I just want to say your attitude about this is admirable. You did nothing wrong and you can be proud of the way you are reacting to this. The sorrow you feel is totally appropriate – it's the loss of a dream. I think you have learned a lot from this experience, and it will make you a stronger person who knows better what she wants in a relationship and in life. It will take time to completely come to terms with what has happened. Don't feel weak because of this – it further shows what a thoughtful and caring person you are. I know how it feels to be more comfortable at home for the moment, but I hope you think about getting out in the fresh air and enjoying the great outdoors. Even taking a walk (with a friend or at your parents house, perhaps) can bring you a lot of peace of mind and help you sleep better at night. Take care.
Just Looking,
How is your healing process going? I hope everything is well with you. Thanks for giving me such a kind words, while you are still having bruises from your incident. I hope as your burses goes away, your heart heals completely, and be happy again. You are one of my favorites on this board, I know you are such a special & sweet person, I admire you & your words. Please feel free to give advice, as I always love your post. Why would you be hesitant? I love your photo. You look really nice in the photo…
You exactly know what I am going through. It touches me how you accurately know my feeling. The sorrow I feel is totally appropriate – it's the loss of a dream. I had the belief that I was with the right man whom I want be with for life long. I stared at him with love & respect, I treated him with affection, I gave all my passion, and I was simply proud of being with him. I thought I had it all in my hand what I wanted from a man. As the man turned out to be a cheap cheater, my dream broke into many pieces. The saddest part is, it is not repairable!! It seems the breakup was inevitable since the beautiful dream was already broken already when he cheated on me. I just did not know it. To me, knowing that fact was the hardest step, and it made me really sick and helpless.
I am fighting against the empty feeling with my bear heart. It seems there is no way I can speed up the healing process. It is all right. I do not mind to be lonely. I rather to be lonely by myself . I read my own post on this board, I found I worried about the ring just after I broke up. I do not care about the ring anymore. The dream is broken, and why is the ring matter? I guess I was very obsessed with the idea of marriage and nostalgic... It is all broken.
Thanks for care about me and giving me your kind word. I agree I should not dwell in my cave too long. I do not want to be a cave woman in a Geico commercial. :D
I hoped I could take a get away trip with my dear friend, but I changed my mind. She is busy professional, and she has fiancé now, I better not to interrupt her sweet engagement period. I just booked a trip for myself. I am going to Bermuda for a week before end of year.
Just Looking,
Do you know there is a "must see" for every visitor to Bahama Island, and it is the Perfume Factory? The factory is located in an elegant old Bahamian mansion, they grow beautiful plants in their back yard, and make perfumes in the place. I hope you can see the picture below. I will mix my own special fragrance, bottle it and name it. It will be lovely, and I like to smell good. It will be nice to do some sightseeing & get some sun too.
I will not go anywhere, deal with it without denial. I decided to be getting better in my own way. Thanks everyone. You are owesome. I feel lucky to have you!
Love & Respect,
Rebecca
I'm doing better daily. I've been in counseling for 3 weeks now. When I first got out of the hospital I could only walk a half mile every other day. I am now walking 2 miles a day. I bought a new car on Thursday to replace the one that was wrecked that night, so I feel more independent again. On Thursday, I also went out for dinner for the first time in over 3 weeks. That's not to say I sat at home alone during those 3 weeks – I had many visits from friends, but I just didn't feel comfortable being seen by strangers. On Saturday I am attending a black-tie dinner/dance. I still have bruising and I have scars, but I bought a beautiful new dress that covers the scars and most of the bruises, and visited a makeup counter where they showed me how to cover the bruises on my face. Now I'm looking forward to a night out, dinner and dancing.
Like you, after my breakup I also planned a vacation. I am still going, leaving in 12 days for 2 weeks in Hawaii where I will be visiting an old college friend who lives there. Following that, I'll be in Los Angeles for a week, including Thanksgiving, visiting family and friends. When I return home, I will have a doctor's visit and expect to be cleared to go back to work. If so, I'll either go back December 1 or 7. Mainly, I am getting on with my life. Your trip sounds great. I hope you enjoy it.
I had those same feelings as you, but as someone pointed out to me I am lucky I found out the true man before we were married and had children. Chances are that you and I were both going to go through what we did eventually, so it's better it has happened now. I think we are both going to find the lives we want. We have both learned so much.
My friends, including those on this site, have been a huge help providing me with advice, hope, laughter, and direction. I know that you have benefitted as well. Continue using this resource, as needed. I know the people here benefit also by knowing they are helping and by seeing your progress. I couldn't have done it without them, at least not in as healthy a way as I am. Don't be afraid to cry or be sad, but also have times of happiness and hope. I know you are doing this, but continue to think positively and think about what you really want in life. I feel confident that I am emerging as a better person.
Just Looking,
It is nice to hear from you, and I am glad you made such a good progress in healing. Counseling, new car, vacation to Hawaii & L.A. and black-tie dinner/dance…all sound great and very promising. I am confident you are getting on with your life in the happiest way from now on.
Your breakup was inevitable as like mine. I am so glad you are free from the worst abusive relationship before it is getting worse. As you say, I have to think Gad saved us from the further disaster & waste of life before it is too late. Let’s live with the way what it is supposed to be. Nobody should be a victim of bad relationship even for a moment, suffer from it for any reason. I have read so many posts here on board as you suggested, and found out so many cases with the same patterns, which is innocent people are suffering and wasting their lives because of their abusive partners in bad relationships. I am just angry about the unfair fact. It really opens my eyes, and enforce myself realization. I almost think I want to do something to save those people. I guess that’s why you are giving lectures to college kids. To have a place to vent by itself is a big benefit, and I am getting better everyday by pouring myself here and get emotional support from nice people. I feel like I am reshaping myself. I am confident about my choice, and I know what to choose for my happiness.
I am glad you stand tall. I cannot wait o see your complete healing. Your next chapter will be full of “pure joy & happiness”. I will follow your path. I am just behind of you.
Love & Respect,
Rebecca
Hi everyone,
As you guys recommended, I decided to take myself out today.
I put skinny jeans, high heel boots, blue tank top & leather jacket with huge dangling earrings. I wear pony tails for change. I feel already healed a lot, when I see myself look good in mirror. It is my first day out as purely single after the breakup 4 weeks ago.
I am going to have a good time. Wish me a good luck!
You luck amazing rebecca... have fun.. in your posts you sound a lot better...
Just be careful!
Lots and lots of luck.
Oh my god! I'm crasy over pony tail, high heel boots and skinny jeans. *sigh* what I would give to see you, you must look gorgeous.
Take care of yourself.
I hope you have a lot of fun. :)
This is exactly right. I love the way you put this.
Unfortunately, men who are violent to women often speak disparagingly of other men's violence against women. Other men are "pigs," etc, but their own behavior they excuse on various pretexts. So don't go by his attitudes towards other men's behavior.
On the other hand, I would trust your gut feeling. According to one study, where they were looking for ways to predict violence against women, the single best predictor of male violence was the woman's gut feeling, or level of fear. If she was afraid of him, she usually turned out to have a reason to be. None of the "objective" measures predicted as well as that.
I'm glad you are being careful. I know I am nagging. Sorry. :)
Good Progress
Hi everyone, I had a long busy day yesterday I need to update you.
When I left my building in the morning, Dexter saw my good mood, gave me a big smile & a thumb up. I like Dexter. He cares about people.
In front of the parking lot, I ran over a neighbor, who was walking his dog, a beautiful Alaskan Husky. I had a small chat with him, and I found out he was a surgeon (resident) of a near by hospital. I could not miss his occupation, since he was wearing green scrub. I asked if there was any volunteer work in the hospital, and he promised to find it out for me. So, here we go. Opportunity opens up by itself.
I attended church. I missed church for long time, since I was dating my ex. It felt good to see the familiar faces. I am going back to the routine before I met my ex.
I went to a shopping mall, had my nail done, and did some shopping. It was also nice I accidentally met my high school friend in the mall, and we had eaten together at the food court. I hate to eat alone as anybody else. She was airy and chatty, gave me useful real estate information. (She is in real estate business.) She told me that it is trend for young professional females to buy condominiums by themselves while they are single. Hmmm… interesting. Should I consider?
I bought a nice bedding set at the mall. I am going to re decorate my apartment to make myself busy & have fun. I love decorating. I am going to treat myself well, and sleep in a beautiful bed.
I stopped by my parents’ house. I found out my ex has contacted my parents for the past weeks, confessed his sin, and asked them to help him to reconcile with me. Of course, my ex downsized the issue. My parents told me that they respect my decision, and will support whatever decision I make. My father still plays golf with my ex’s father. They are aware of our issue, but let us sort it out, and sort of monitoring us in distance.
My mother seems do not understand the depth of issue very well. She told me my ex did very wrong doing, he called many times to ask help, and my mother told me she scolded & blamed him whenever he called (?! ) My mother told me that my ex seemed desperate & deeply regretful, should learn the lesson, and will behave from now on. Huh?? She apparently moved by my ex’s desperate crying over the phone. She also updated me that my ex is taking depression medication. Hmmm... looser... She thinks it is not impossible to reconcile since my ex claimed he did not really cheat on me (means sleep with other girls). Huh?? I am lost. She is not in online dating generation, and completely out of touch… I love my mother, but it is hard to convince her right now…She needs to visit this site. It dampened my spirit.
I got home by 11 pm. I got the note from my ex from doorman. The note says, “I came to pick you up to go to the Dave’s party (as we planned long time ago). I understand you need fresh air. Hope you have a good day, and come home safely. Don’t be too late. I miss you & love you. Everybody will miss you in the party. XOXOXO” Huh?? Is he in amnesia? Did he forget our breakup? If he was so caring, why did he cheat on me? BS! I do not register a single word he says. I had a couple of voice mails from my ex regarding to the party. Whatever... I do not care anymore…
The good news is I forgot about the Dave’s warming up party completely! I am glad. It used be a big deal, but now I even do not remember. I must make a good progress.
I had a good sleep like a baby last night.
Thank you for cheering me up to go out, everyone.
I feel much better, and feel energized. :)
That's great news, I am happy for you. Don't worry about your Mom though, she will support your decisions as in the future the subject will come up again, and you can reinforce what you feel so strongly about, but really glad about you seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am glad you had a good day. :)
Redecorating is always a good way to keep yourself busy.
It sounds like he is still in denial, though.
It seems it's the day of good news lol! Keep it up Rebecca. Don't worry about your mom, she doesn't understand.
I'm laughing because that is so bizarre! I am glad you sound happy. :)
I broke up with someone recently and completely rearranged my bedroom.
talaniman,
Am I really seeing the light at the end of tunnel?
Ha, I feel great. Thanks for your assurance and support. It makes me so hopeful. If our life is like a movie, I should feel better from here everyday straight up, but I am not perfect, must go through ups and downs, mood swings in my healing progress.
One thing I know is I will deal with it in my best way.
You are very wise, and have terrific insight. How do you know everything about relationship very well? Have anyone cheated on you too? Can you please let me know. I really like to know.
Love & respect,
Rebecca
Yes, he is in denial. He is erotically retarded! He does not see the truth, or true value, jeopardized his gem to cheap stuff. Now he even does not know how to deal with it, depending in depression medication, and still in denial.
Where did the confident man who made me thrilled go??
Talaniman,
Your signature says, “Never make a person a priority in your life, while allowing them to make you an option in theirs.”
It is really true. When we give power to someone else to control our lives, we become completely helpless, dependent on the someone’s approval, losing dignity and self control to keep the someone.
At the very moment we give up our OWNERSHIP for the relationship , our tragedy starts…
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