Your Age: 21-30
Length of Relationship : 3 - 5 years
How long ago did the betrayal occur?: Recently - less than 30 days
How did you learn about it?: I saw it on his phone.
Describe how you are feeling now, or how you felt when you found out.: At first I just felt angry. And that he needed to know that I know. Then I felt scared to lose him even despite it. I was scared and sad and I mourned for our relationship I had known up until that point... Because even though I planned to stay I knew it would never be the same.
How have your normal habits changed (eating, sleeping, etc)?: I still don't sleep well. And I struggle to be away from home for any time period in the fear that something might happen.
What are you using to cope with your emotions? Is it working for you?: Researching ways to deal with it. Trying to focus on improving myself and being a better version of myself.
It hasn't worked yet... I am still researching forums such as this to cope.
What are your next steps?: I don't know... Keep trying to be OK.
What emotions have come up for you as you've been going through this? (select all that apply): Anger, Sadness, Afraid, Betrayed, Devalued, Shame/Ashamed
What emotions are missing from the list?: Fear. Uncertainty for the future.
What advice would you give to others in this situation?: To leave the person and try feel empowered and move forward. And that they are worth more... Of course I wouldn't follow this advice. It's diffult because I still want to fix things and stay in this relationship...
What else would you like to share?: I'm just really not in a good space right now. He expects everything to be OK and go back to normal really fast. But I think I need more time. I don't know if I will ever get over this though. I can only hope I will find a way. I feel like so much burden has been put onto me when it wasn't even my mistake.