Originally Posted By: Inside Out
Okay...you made me cry....I cannot believe your journey led you here...well obviously I can, but I am filled with such a sense of awe in the grace and beauty of this encounter that it stuns me.

This is a HUGE hug..the kind that has all the emotions I cannot write smile

(((((Val))))


Thanks IO. I'm sorry that I made you cry, but I hope the tears allowed for something good to happen. And I'll always take virtual hugs!

Originally Posted By: subguy
Wow Val, you are a DB'ing rock star!!! That was tough and you handled it with grace and dignity, great job.


Thanks Subguy! DBing has never been TOO difficult for me (challenging for sure)... I just haven't been given too many opportunities to DB my x. I've spent the last 2 years doing it with everyone BUT her for the most part.

Originally Posted By: theUF
Val, you handled that soo smooth, and I know that couldn't have been easy. Awesome stuff, keep rockin on.


Thank you! It gets easier. As children, I believe we shine as positive and loving creatures.. but our hardships in life make us jaded. If we want those feelings back, we have to work hard towards them. We have to undo what has been done.

Originally Posted By: keep_going
((((((((Val))))))))

You are amazing and the person you have become was shining through during that meeting.

I cannot imagine what it must be like for you.
Be gentle with your heart.



Thanks KG! I felt VERY ME. I have yet to really express what's in my heart because if I have learned anything... it's that the heart often can get cloudy with my emotions. Trying to the let the water settle!

Originally Posted By: BklynMom
Wow amazing.

Your taking it slows allows you both to see if the new improved versions are actually compatible.

Alanon might be a great place for you to learn more about her program and yourself.

I often think I don't want the relationship I had back I want a new model. You can only tell if she really can offer up a new model by going very very slow.

Wow is right! I don't think my x OR I are looking towards a romantic relationship.. but yes.. to see if we would be compatible as friends would be a big first step.

I realize that it has to be very slow and that I would have to be VERY patient.. however at the same time, I don't think my path has changed. I'll just keep creating a safe environment. I'll just keep shining. She will have to take the steps towards me if she wants a friendship. Not because I feel she should, but since she is an emotional distancer... for me to pursue would not be healthy.. it would be more of the old dynamic.. which I have no interest in.
Originally Posted By: needgrace
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((val)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

you gave so much grace and compassion in that meeting... it just flowed out of you and i would imagine has left you feeling so very vulnerable and open. please take good care of val right now, surround yourself with those who love and cherish you in person and in prayer to fill up that space.


Yes.. very very vulnerable and open. And I got very scared by that. I did exactly as you suggested and surrounded myself with my loving friends. TBH - the more I surround myself with these people - the more it feels like my birthday or Christmas morning.


M(f): 40
D'ed: 8/12

Show empathy when there's pain. Show grace when warranted. Kindness in the midst of anger. Faith in the face of fear.

Love at all costs because you are loved well.