How do you trust anyone again?
I'm asking this because I was replying to a thread recently where the ex-spouse of an addict/alcoholic was dating someone new, and wanted some opinions. So of course I jumped in and said, oh yes this is a red flag, that could also be a red flag... that over there, that blue flag sort of looks maroon... and all these flags are really red. Is it an exaggeration to say that my experience with an abusive addict has made me paranoid? Or is this level of caution "normal"?
I mean, normally, unless you have any reason to doubt someone, you believe the things they say. I had no reason to doubt my ex-spouse... and then I discovered years and years of lies. As soon as I broke my silence... and got a restraining order... he turned around and started spreading lies about me.