Been lurking for a while, reading posts and wondering how to frame this.
I got out of an abusive relationship about five years ago, and I have really pulled my life and the DCs lives back together. My work is good, the DCs are happy and I feel like a strong woman again. I've been seeing a new man for the past two years or so, and the time is approaching for making a committment, but I am scared. Has anyone else who's left an abusive relationship struggled with this fear to commit to someone new? The man in question is a good one, he won't abuse me or the children, but letting anyone into our lives feels like such a risk! Has anyone done it? How did you manage the fear? Part of me craves a normal family live, but another part would like to carefully guard my independence and security - i know I can provide for and protect my DC on my own. I feel like i want to be living my life now, not waiting for it to start. Please help.