Nearly 5 years but who is counting?

[forward]

MMF, Part of me admires your dedication. But I would also urge you to read about codependency. I learned a lot about it through the course of this.

There is a difference between love and codependent, unhealthy attachments. And yes, it is critical for you to forge a new and complete life for yourself. What I note is that it is difficult to respect and feel attracted to someone who still will put up with you after you treat them like crap. And love needs to be based on respect, not idealism. Also, I realize that I fell in love with possibilities and potential, not realities. Love needs to be based on realities.

You must be happy on your own before you could possibly rejoin as a couple.