It’s been four years since my ex left me, and I’m still grappling with the aftermath. We were living together when she decided to move to the USA, ultimately leaving me and our 3-year-old son behind. Initially, I resisted her plan to take our son with her because I couldn't enter the country without a visa. Eventually, I found a way to get into the U.S. and wanted to ensure our son could join her.
However, she didn’t follow through on her end, forcing me to add our son to my visa application, which meant two long years apart. Now, I’m in a new relationship that has lasted about a year and a half, but I often feel like I’m lying to myself and my partner. I had been single for over two years before meeting her, and I fear I might be dating out of boredom.
I also struggle with jealousy as my ex seems to have built a great life for herself, finding a new partner who appears to make her happier than she was with me. I want to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship for our son's sake, but hearing about her new partner triggers strong feelings of anxiety and hurt.
After being together for 13 years, the memories of what went wrong resurface whenever I interact with her. I want to move on and live a fulfilling life, but the constant reminders make it difficult. She’s mentioned that I need to meet her new partner for our son’s comfort, but the thought fills me with anxiety.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? I’d appreciate any advice on how to truly move forward and cope with these feelings. Thank you!