Si, your words were definitely a bitter pill to swallow, but I do think you’re right. Things won’t ever be the same, and I think that’s where I’m having the most of my issues. I can’t compartmentalize what was and what is. I can’t transition BACK because it no longer exists. This unfamiliar and painful growing stage of a new OLD relationship is uncharted territory for me. I’m terrified that I’m going to lose everything in the process because I have no idea how to navigate it. I do know that I’m doing poorly at the moment, though. I hope things will get easier, but I fear it will go the way of your friendship, and he will become just an old friend…

Anita, we have a very unprofessional work environment. It’s extremely frustrating at times. I myself, was victim to bullying though it was by a supervisor and not my peers so I don’t think it was as ostracizing as what she experienced. I never partook in the abuse and tried my best to remain neutral if anything because she was in fact, his girlfriend at the time. I’ve always had a difficult time forming friendships with women, and since high school, the majority of my friends have been male. That being said, I never had the bond that I have with my friend now. I was NEVER afraid I was going to fall in love with them or wreck a relationship. Your reply made me smile and made me sad. The story goes so much deeper, and I hope it will continue.

Again, thank you both so very much for your wisdom.