Are there people who don't ever recover?
I used to post here a few years ago. Background is/was - my ex of four years cheated on me with at least two men, gave me an STD, and left before I could even comprehend what had happened.
She moved on quickly after that - to someone new, unrelated to the cheating.
It's been 3.5 years now and I still can't get over it. I lost most of my friends who remained neutral as my ex is the sister-in-law of one of my childhood best friends.
She upgraded in terms of a partner, at least from the outside. More money, taller, more attractive, more social, etc.
She never skipped a beat.
It doesn't help that she is absolutely gorgeous (objectively) and was probably the best I could ever do in terms of that at least.
With that being said - yes. I know I deserve better than the treatment I got.
I've been in weekly therapy now for over 3 years. I've basically changed every aspect of my life and tried my best to move forward. But no matter what I do I remain stuck. I'm 32 now - still young, I know - but I just don't have any desire to meet new people. It's like I'm still wearing the scarlet letter, and it turns people off.
I can't help but blame myself over and over - I know it doesn't make sense and it isn't fair to myself... but my mind always goes there. "This wouldn't have happened if you weren't worth losing."
I'm starting to think the idea of moving on and thriving is more the exception rather than the rule. I feel like some people never really do get past this shit.