Re: Moving past the WAW to a stronger me Pt. 6

[Davide]

Thanks guys! (Where are my gals?) It is great to be able to put into practice the strategies that y'all have taught me. As many of you know, I was indeed in very bad shape last spring and summer. If there are any newbies out there reading, I was lost and heartbroken and didn't see how I could live without my W. It was only by putting into the practice the GAL, the 180s, distancing myself and limiting contact with W, and facing my fears and insecurities head-on (seeing an IC as well), that I was able to get to this point.

Even my W recognized my growth. Unprompted she told me that she admired me. When I asked her why, she said for my strength and for making the best out of this situation. It was surprising to hear from her, but I appreciated it.

I don't think that I am completely out of the woods by any means. I see myself like a recovering addict as I can see how easy it would be to slip back into bad patterns, or to slip up and let my W back into my life. Like a drug there is a pull, or an allure there (Neffer, I think you have talked about that in regards to the OW), and it is a question of keeping my focus on my future and to the life I want to have.

This weekend I have a date with the professor I have been seeing for the last three weeks. We have a great time together, and she brings an element of joy into my life. It is much healthier to focus my emotional energy and affection on her.