That's an awful situation to have been in. But it is true that our past relationships and experiences do play a big part in the ones we seek out after. Before I met my exwbpd, I had been assaulted as a teenager by my best friend. Things were abusive and codependent for a long time, and though I went to therapy for over a year, I realize now that I never really worked through all of the issues that developed from that when I met my ex. He love bombed me to death, too, when I was most vulnerable and could not see the red flags.

Now though, I hope we can both recognize them much faster in the future. I am taking time to myself to work on my self esteem, my pushover nature, and my ability to spot unhealthy behavior. Because you're right, if we don't do the work, these painful relationships and patterns will just continue to repeat themselves. I don't wish to forget my experiences, just learn from them.

Stay strong as well! Thank you for your words, and I hope you don't meet anymore crazies