Was with my ex for 8 yrs, never married. Marriage/ proposal was used as a controlling tool by him, almost like if I went along with what made him happy, I would get the proposal. I will get to be happy etc.... Abused emotionally, he had a huge drinking problem. I didn't see issues at the time but slowly, drifted from my friends and family. Deep down I knew I wasn't happy ended the relationship, moved back in with my parents. Found a new job and found a new circle of friends. Ex stalked me and ended up reporting him to the police- he was also making suicidal threat. All narcissistic behaviour....
Fast forward- 15 years on. I am happy, married to a wonderful man, 2DCs. Mentally strong, I had some counselling around 10yrs ago due to work and dealing with grief, I felt somehow I wasn't good enough for anything. Counselling helped, leant alot about my triggers and how my childhood and being with ex had an impact on me.
Bumping into ex has stirred something. I looked straight at him, straight through him. I did not acknowledge him, my face was blank. He held eye contact with me, almost like I know it's YOU.
I was with DH, I don't think I would've had a conversation if I wasn't.
I feel bothered by it, perhaps this man gave me such hell when I was young, he didn't win and no longer have hold over me!
Has anyone experienced anything similar?