Originally Posted by Freedom1990

I think this is so important in your journey of recovery! My last "serious" relationship, where I was engaged for 15 months, was the one that brought me to my knees.

The pain was finally great enough that I knew I had to do something different.

Like you, I had warning bells going off all over, but I was at a very vulnerable place in my life (which was a pattern with me with men), and it was very "heady" for me to be charmed and adored. In looking back, I see the manipulations, and we were two sick people.

I completely understand the shame. It took me 12 long years after getting into long-term recovery from my addictions/alcoholism before I hit a bottom in codependency and men.

I am a very slow learner.

Sending you hugs of support!