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Recovering from Separation Anxiety email this discussion to a friend?

myLot reputation of 78/100. porkrind333 (262)   ranked 3,897 out of 18,953 in relationships2 years ago

I have been separated from my wife since this time last year and our divorce was finalized in February. Somehow I just can't let it go. I suffered from a major case of Separation Anxiety when my college girlfriend and I went our own paths 15 years ago. I really have no desire to repeat that episode again.
I have tried just about everything I know of to get my social life back in order but my efforts seem silly, juvenile and desperate. Sitting around the house moping got old about 6 months ago but I keep comparing possible mates to my ex. Imagine the character Chandler from the TV show Friends whenever he went through a break up.
Does anyone have any good ideas or book suggestions to help me out?

 
 
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Why He Broke Up With You
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"I Used to Miss Him
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tendaheart2002 (269) response was accepted on 6/9/2007.
denotes best response.
tags:  anxiety, break ups, moods, failed relationships
 
1. myLot reputation of 43/100. Firewinddancer (265)   ranked 3,634 out of 18,953 in relationships   2 years ago

This is natural, sometimes it's hard to be a twoxome and then just when the brain ststys to do everything in pairs it has to refocus and start thinking in a single process again. It takes time, to some longer than others. If you work on getting your social life back on track but your heart isn't on board with that it will cause you to become anxious and over worried that things aren't moving as fast as you want them to go. I know someone who wants to date but she's not ready her emotions are still day dreaming about the ex BF, she wanted him but had too many difficulties in life to work on and wasn't ready for a deeper relationship, so in her mind she wants to wait even though her body says lets move on. So some individaul will stay on this level giving hope to their emotions or they let their emotions stay fixed in what ifs, and so on. We cling to things that brought us happiness, these represent comfort zones to us and sometimes we aren't too willing to let them slide away. Change the process of how you think, there were causes for lead to this ending. There are times no matter what a person does the ending will still come to that matter. You can't beat yourself up over it, relationships are in a sense, what I call, let's see what happens if different things (or flavors) are introduced into the relationship. Changes are going to take place and how two people fare will be the linch pin that will prove it strong or will break it.


myLot reputation of 78/100. porkrind333 (262)   ranked 3,897 out of 18,953 in relationships  2 years ago

Wow. Thanks that is an excellent point.

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2. myLot reputation of 97/100. nowment (1077)   ranked 1,474 out of 18,953 in relationships   2 years ago

It might be a good idea to get counseling. As for comparing possible mates with your ex, why compare? You don't need to look for a mate to have a social life.

Try going out with friends, just to hang out, or joining groups.

Example, I live in NJ my partner and I play poker in a league, and pool, with the APA, there are also dart leagues, bowling leagues, just checking out what is local in your area could be a start to either getting out with friends or forming new friendships.

As for the poker league LOL I have no hopes of gaining high points. There are in fact a number of newly divorced men in the league who will go nearly every night, rather than sit home alone.

Some have formed a nice little group of friends who now hang out for more things, and one or two have begun dating from all the extra socializing.

While none were looking for woman when they started coming to the poker nights, they were looking just to get out rather than mope around the house.

Same for those who are in some of the other leagues.

As you start going out with friends and or making new friends by joining such groups, and start acting pleasant and happy, like you are enjoying yourself, you may come to find that you really are enjoying yourself.

Such things are not desperate, or juvenile. Just people hanging out and sharing a few laughs.

for an idea of what I am talking about check out something on the APA pool league. Or while this wouldn't help if you are not from NJ it can help give you the idea www.holdempokerleague.com

Go to the local bar find out if they have a dart, pool, poker league, or if they sponser softball team, it is spring, if that is your interest. Or check out your local bowling alley find out when they have their season, and when and if you can sign up.


myLot reputation of 78/100. porkrind333 (262)   ranked 3,897 out of 18,953 in relationships  2 years ago

I have never compared anyone to my ex. It is more like I see thier faults with a giant magnifying glass. I get out and do all of the things us newly divorced guys are supposed to do. I just can't jump that final hurdle of intimacy.


myLot reputation of 97/100. nowment (1077)   ranked 1,474 out of 18,953 in relationships  2 years ago

I can understand, when you go through any strong emotional experience, you are likely to look through that giant magnifying glass, the trust in others, and the trust in how you may have percieved others is harder.

It takes time to heal for some it takes more time than others. I know there are people who will say ok enough already get over it. But unless they are you, no one can really know how you feel, or when your time for deeper healing is there.

That is the part about life that sucks is that it can take so much time to heal, especially for emotional issues. The good part is that healing does come.

Since you are going out with your friends etc, then try this, they say the more pretend to be happy, the more likely it will start to be true.

I have found this has helped though only if I do give myself the down time I needed, as well.

One of our group of friends, nice guy, going through similiar issues, was with the group of us last night, he said he was nervous, we asked why he said he would be leaving early since he had a date, seems it is the first since well his wife. Which was a few years. He is a nice guy, and if he can drop the nervous he will be fine. But I can understand where he was coming from things do change to some degree.

Hope things get better for you soon.

Why He Broke Up With You Learn What Men Really Want And How To Attract Lasting Love. www.InsideAGuysMind.com
 
3. myLot reputation of 97/100. tendaheart2002 (269)   ranked 921 out of 18,953 in relationships   1 year ago

I know your situation all to well, I have been in a similar situation and it is never easy. I remember when it was weird to sleep in a bed by myself. It took a while to get over it. One book you would probably never think would help but it helped me is "Who moved my cheese", It has been over two years and I am still trying to get use to it, it is a transition thing. The dating world has surely changed since I last remember.lol. But the book really helped realize that sometimes we get so caught up, that we lose sight of the big picture, we forget about looking forward, not back. We worry about everyone else thinking that it is too selfish to give ourselves a thought. And honestly it is not true. Don't allow a failed situation to determine your future. Honestly at one point I thought that I would stay single for the rest of my life because it was "safer". But I realized I would only be hurting myself. Good luck! It gets better, especially when you figure out who moved your cheese.lol Take care:)


myLot reputation of 78/100. porkrind333 (262)   ranked 3,897 out of 18,953 in relationships  1 year ago

"Who moved my Cheese" is a great little book and it does make you think about situations differently. One book I am reading "Tipping Point" has helped me out quite a bit. Understanding that every situation could be the one that tips your path helped me start to live again. One day at a time, One step at a time folks.

"I Used to Miss Him But My Aim is Improving: Not Your Ordinary Breakup Survival Guide," the new book by Alison James. www.improveyouraim.com
 
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