BF sending flirty messages - can I forgive him?
Backstory: I recently left my husband who I'd been with for 5 years for another man because I thought we were in love and soulmates.
Things haven't been easy with new guy because there are lots of emotions left over from the break-up and we rushed into things. We saw each other constantly and I relied on him for emotional support. He tried to support me but, at times, found it difficult to listen to me be upset over someone else when we were trying to be together.
We've both been emotionally drained by lots of things that have resulted from the situation and have been arguing a lot. Despite this, we've both agreed we want to be together still and find healthier ways of dealing with our emotions. We've blamed a lot of the arguments on the stress of the situation.
Recently, I looked through his phone whilst he was in the shower (I had a bad gut feeling) and found flirty messages to multiple other women. He sent them the heart eye emoji in response to pictures they'd posted of themselves and compliments like 'I bet everyone is telling you that you look nice in that picture'. These women are people who he's previously been friends with/interested it but its never gone anywhere. I obviously shouldn't have gone through his phone.
I confronted him and he explained he did this because the arguments have resulted in him feeling negative towards our relationship/situationship and have affected his self esteem at times. I still don't think this is acceptable. I think he told me this to explain it rather than excuse it.
I want to forgive him because I used to think we are so good together. I'm really attached, have strong feelings and haven't felt this way about anyone else. However, I don't want to allow him to disrespect me.
Is his behaviour forgivable?