My happiness, sense of self worth and identity are no longer tied to my H. That's been the gift I've received on this journey.
Well said^^^^^ ...and just to add...Your happiness, sense of self worth and identity are no longer tied to ANYONE else, including your H.
We are around the same age...I completely understand where you are coming from.. You are in a lot of pain...I am in a lot of pain. I made the mistake of getting into something. Did it feel good at first. Absolutely. Did I love the attention. Sure did. But after that newness wore off...I was left off where I started from...perhaps even further behind.
Another one of my reasons for getting involved so quickly- I think I wanted to prove to others around me that I was OK...that I can meet someone else...I am worthy of another man's attention. I am not broken. It didn't work.