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TRUST ISSUES

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  • #63594
    Matt
    Participant

    Whit,

    It seems like you have a tasty three layer cake baking. The first, his relationship to his female friend and the insecurity that very naturally brings to the relationship. The second, the mental running that happens alongside the insecurity. The third, the animosity or discontent you have for your own mind because it runs.

    For the first, trust is something that builds and erodes with time. The somewhat rocky start to the relationship very naturally leaves trust a little shaky. Life isn’t always a pretty fairy tale, and sometimes even great relationships start with some fumbling around. To work on trust, its a mix between patient communication, understanding and time, in the relationship. Outside the relationship, learning to trust yourself that even if things go sour, you’d be OK. You’d grieve, it would suck, and so forth, but you don’t need him to be happy, to be stable. Self nurturing does that for us. By taking time to give ourselves tender attention, such as taking a bath with candles, listening to soft music, doing yoga, and so forth, we can accept and know that we can find our own peace, independent of the intentions and dedication of our partner.

    That being said, if his texts are leaving you feeling poorly, why does he keep doing it? Like “she needs a friend” overrules your feeling of safety? Why is that worth it to him? When I met my wife, she had reservations about my connection to an ex. My teacher said to me “sure, she feels jealous, and that is on her. But why bring that challenge home? Is the friendship with the ex really worth that?” It wasn’t, and I haven’t talked to her since. You see?

    For the second, consider that it is natural to have thoughts surrounding insecurity. Like an uncomfortable mystery, that the mind tries to solve. But, it can’t, too many pieces, too much unknown. So it runs and runs, looking, seeking, grasping, imagining. Instead of jumping on the thought train, letting it drag us around, we can notice its happening, and be gentle with ourselves. “Ah, yes, insecurity, unknown, fear.” As we rest with the emotion, accept the vulnerability as part of loving, the mind gets less jumpy, less dominoes fall, less effort is expended in the mind chasing and jumping at shadows. That’s when the desire behind the fear, such as “wow, I really want this relationship to work out” is seen, rested with. Then, what does that look like? What would “working out” be like for you? Keep your attentions there, and it becomes easier to grow that with him. Of course, he has to show up too, but that’s up to him and his heart.

    The third, the “I know I’m a bad person, because…” and “my mind is my worst enemy”, consider being more gentle with yourself. We all do the best we can with the pieces we have, and your mind isn’t evil, your choice to stay in contact with your boyfriend doesn’t make you a bad person. Just a normal person, with a normal mind, fumbling around for answers and happiness like everyone else. So be kind to yourself, you deserve it! 🙂

    With warmth,
    Matt

    #63597
    Whit
    Participant

    I understand what you mean when you say is that friendship worth my fear of security, but to be honest, I shouldn’t even be that way though. He should be allowed to have friends. I’m allowed to have friends. It’s not fair that my mind just jumps to all these conclusions immediately just from seeing text messages. I just wish there was a way I could train my mind to stop doing this and just let things be and be happy instead of thinking the worst of every situation.

    #63600
    Matt
    Participant

    Shouldn’t be that way, huh? That sounds pretty harsh with yourself, as though your insecurity isn’t just, as though it arises for no reason. This simply isn’t true, its there for a reason. Much like “I shouldn’t be limping”, as self judging when we have a twisted ankle. The insecurity, the limping, is a result. Not some “thing” you just have because you’re “broken” or “faulty”.

    I do understand what you mean, though, his friendship with a woman doesn’t inherently cause insecurity, but in your relationship, it does. Perhaps because he kept in contact with you while trying to work it out with another. Now, perhaps you fear you are that other, and he’s still shopping.

    Again, this heals with time and tender communication. Not just by biting a leather strap and willing yourself not to be insecure. You can ease the insecure feeling by befriending it, accepting it as real, reasonable, just an emotion, and lots of self nurturing. Like we may stay off a bad ankle, if you find you’ve been triggered, moving to a nurturing space helps the mental race unfold, the body let go.

    With warmth,
    Matt

    #63610
    Mike
    Participant

    Hi Whit,

    It sounds like you’ve got a real dilemma here. I know what it’s like to be in a complex situation, but I can only imagine what it’s like to add a child on top of it all. Trust issues are no fun. Over-thinking is no fun either. It may be best to think of why you’re feeling the way that you are, before focusing so much energy on covering up your insecurities.

    Matt is right, you feel this way for a reason. Nobody is born with trust issues. You’re taught to feel the way that you do over time and through your experiences. Don’t discount your emotions and your gut-reaction when it comes to your relationship! Your concerns are just as valid.

    Communication is always the key to finding harmony in a relationship. It sounds like you do voice your concerns, but try a different method. Try and get on the same page emotionally. Open up to him and let him know how vulnerable you are. Don’t accuse him of anything, but admit your insecurities and ask for his help. Chances are he will want to change his habits and will make a stronger effort for you. Whether it’s making an effort to introduce you to these friends of his, or whether he stops communicating with them out of respect for your feelings, there are steps he can take that are reasonable for you to ask for.

    Your boyfriend is allowed to have friends, but you don’t have to mask your insecurities about them. Successful relationships are about being on the same page, and trust is built through communication.

    Hang in there and I hope things improve!

    Mike

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