Since he has been gone (a homage to Leave the Bastard)

[tryingtogrow]

Inspired by another thread

...life has been great! (Long story short, my ex was a nasty, lying, cheating sack of shit and I evolved into a former shadow of myself)

I've travelled to some lovely places. Every time I check into a hotel, I don't have him by my side trying to score a discount because he's so cheap

I've refreshed my wardrobe and make up look without him telling me I look like a student (says he in his Superdry ensamble). I'm not a slave to fashion, I know my own style and what works

My shopping bills have gone down because I'm not buying a truckload of out of season produce

I've made the decision to move abroad

I got the therapy I very much needed

I get to work on time because I'm not held up by his preening in the mirror

I've spent loads of time with my friends and family (he lacks in friends and remains distant and hostile towards his family)

I spend time on my hobbies such as baking, photography and reading. I have little 'spa' nights in my house where I light candles, put on a mask and do whatever the hell I like

and I live in hope that one day I'll meet someone who is wonderful and shares the same values as me, but if I don't, I'm super content in the life I'm living.

[Wereonourway]

Love it, well done you!

[PollyLogos]

Good for you, long may you continue to enjoy your new life!

[HotDAMNlifeisgood]

Can others contribute? Since he's been gone...

...I got a much-wanted and much-loved pet (previously banned).

...I have completely new clothes and furniture which feel like "me".

...I have discovered, named, and worked on healing my neuroses - the ones that kept me in an abusive relationship for 12 years.

...My social life has exploded. Rare is the evening I stay in. I meet new people and make new friends all the time, it's brilliant.

...I have discovered how much I love to dance. I never danced before. It appears that I am a natural, and I love it. I go out dancing several nights a week and stay out till all hours if I damn well feel like it.

...I realise that I am worth far, far more than I settled for before.

[ChangingWoman]

Congratulations on your brilliant new life!

My own "since he left" thread is here - more DIY than exotic travel but that's what I really want to do right now. I think I'm finally making a home for myself and my daughter.

Good luck to all of us.