Hi Brent,
As a woman, I think I may have to disagree with some of the stuff Trooth posted, no offense Trooth.
Not all women are like the ones you described. Personally, I have always liked the nice guys. True, I like hearing compliments and being treated nicely, but who doesn't? Some women may prefer the "bad boys", but not all. I think the ones that do have their own self-esteem issues that lead them to believe they deserve the bad treatment they get from certain guys.
But, I digress.
Brent, I'm just starting to learn what healthy and normal is. I have struggled with self-esteem issues all my life, and it makes for bad relationship choices and behavior. It is my belief that we attract what we are, and that people who cheat do it b/c of their own self-worth issues. I really don't think it had anything to do with you, you just had a bad knack of attracting someone with the same low self-esteem issues that you have.
So, in order to attract a healthier person, you need to start loving yourself more. You deserve to be in a healthy relationship with a woman who loves and respect you. But if you don't love and respect yourself, how will anyone else? Now, I do agree with Trooth in keeping your options open, while you work on bettering yourself. Start treating yourself the way you want someone else to treat you. None of us had healthy role models, but that doesn't mean we can't treat ourselves better and become healthier people.
Take your time and get to know you better.
Hugs,
JG