Hello!
I'm a mindfulness coach, and I believe learning is the greatest treasure of the body.
From what you've said, I can tell you're struggling with a lot of negative emotions, including inner conflict, worry, anxiety, pain, and helplessness.
You're bothered by your inability to move on from your girlfriend's past. I won't get into the specifics here, but I have three pieces of advice for you:
First, I suggest you try to accept your current situation.
It'll help your mind feel a bit easier, which will help you figure out what to do next.
You say you're a 27-year-old guy who met your girlfriend on a blind date. You had a good feeling about each other and quickly confirmed the relationship. You've had a frank exchange about your love histories. You know how many people she's been with and had sex with. You don't care about the so-called "first time," but you do care about some of the stories she has with her ex. This makes you very upset. Every time you talk to your girlfriend for a long time, you're both unhappy. You don't want it to be like this, and it's painful. In fact, your state of mind is understandable. Most people care about their partner's past. Everyone wants to be their partner's only and most important person. This kind of state of mind is understandable because there's a distance between "knowing" and "doing." Sometimes it's just difficult to do. So you have to try to accept your state of mind and "see" the painful part of yourself that wants to get along well with your girlfriend but can't control the urge to mind her past for the time being. This will give you extra mental energy to think about other things. Otherwise, your brain will be filled with all kinds of negative emotions.
It's also important to accept yourself if you want to make changes. I know it sounds a bit strange, but it's true because you have to let things be if you want to see change.
Secondly, I suggest you take a rational look at your own situation.
Rational thinking can help you understand yourself and reality better.
To get a more objective view of the situation, there are three things you can do:
First, remember that everyone has a past, and that past is something that can't be changed.
You might still be thinking, "If only she didn't have that kind of past," but you need to understand that this kind of thinking won't make it true. Everyone has a past, and that's an unchangeable fact. You might have to accept it, even if you don't want to.
Second, remember that loving someone is loving them for who they are.
As you said in your description, you're trying not to mind her past, but you just can't do it. Right now, you need to understand that the her you like now is "made up" of her past. You can also say that it is her previous romantic history that has made her the way she is now, the her you like. Those past experiences are part of her growth. If you love her, you have to love her for who she is, and "who she is" must include her past.
Third, remember that things don't have to stay the same just because you don't want them to. You can change them if you want to.
When you take the initiative and put in the effort, your mindset will shift, and so will the dynamic of your relationship with her.
If you look at it rationally like this, some of those negative emotions might start to dissipate.
I'd suggest focusing on yourself and thinking about what you can do to feel better.
When you take a step back and look at the big picture, you might also see what you need to do. At this point, it's time to focus on yourself and do your best.
For instance, if you find yourself asking your girlfriend about her ex, you can remind yourself that the past is set in stone. You like her for who she is now, so focus on the present and future. Repeat this to yourself a few times, and your thoughts will probably change. You'll then be more focused on the present and future, which might lift your mood.
You can also learn to take responsibility and be accountable when you think about your girlfriend's past. That is, when you think about her past, stop and think about the consequences of doing so. You'll think about it for a long time, affecting your work and life. It'll make both of you unhappy and affect your relationship with each other. After this, you'll likely stop asking about her past so that you can spend more time and energy on managing your relationship well.
You can also talk more with your girlfriend about the present and the future. You could plan for the future, talk about getting married, where to settle down, and other things. This would help you focus your conversation on the present and the future. As you said in your description, you both like each other very much and want to settle down. This will also make you feel better. In short, you need to know that you can do something to improve the current situation.
When you start taking action, all those negative emotions will start to disappear because, as they say, action is the best antidote to negative emotions.
I hope this helps. If you want to chat some more, just click on "Find a coach" at the bottom and we can talk one-on-one.
Comments
I can totally relate to feeling insecure about a partner's past. It's hard when those thoughts keep creeping up and disrupting your peace of mind. I think focusing on the present and the love you share can help. Maybe set some boundaries around conversations about exes to prevent them from spiraling into something bigger.
It's important to remember that everyone has a history, and it doesn't define the future. Try to remind yourself why you fell in love with her in the first place. Those initial feelings can be a powerful anchor during tough times. Communication is key, but so is knowing when to let things go for the sake of your mental health.
Sometimes, it helps to talk to someone outside the relationship, like a therapist or a trusted friend. They can offer a fresh perspective and help you process these feelings without burdening your girlfriend. It's all about finding a balance between understanding and not letting it consume you.
You're both at a stage where commitment matters, and trust is crucial. Consider setting aside time to focus on building new memories together. This can shift your focus from the past to what you're creating now. Remember, the goal is to move forward, not dwell on what can't be changed.
Jealousy can be overwhelming, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Working on selfconfidence might make a big difference. When you feel more secure within yourself, it's easier to handle insecurities about a partner's past. It's a journey, but every step forward is worth it.