Hello, my name is Evan, and I'm a counselor who works in the transpersonal school of thought.
From the questioner's description, it seems that they are experiencing a sense of nostalgia and reluctance to let go of the past intimate relationship. It is not uncommon for individuals in this situation to have an emotional attachment to the good memories and feelings associated with the past. However, it is important to recognize that these memories and feelings may not necessarily reflect reality or be appropriate in the present context.
From a psychological perspective, it's natural to view past experiences through a lens that makes them seem more positive than they may have been. Based on the questioner's description, it seems that your ex-boyfriend may not have provided the level of security and respect you were seeking, and his actions may have caused the questioner to feel uncertain and hurt.
While there were moments when he showed you warmth and care, it seems that he did not love you in the way you expected. This may be related to the lack of paternal love in your childhood, which may have made you even more eager for and unable to let go of this kind of care.
How to deal with this past relationship is indeed quite tricky, and all decisions should be based on the truth of the questioner's inner feelings. The questioner mentioned that your conscience and character do not allow anything to happen between you. This is your deep-rooted adherence to loyalty and responsibility, which is very precious. Here I would also like to offer the questioner some advice, in the hope that it will help you deal with this complex emotion:
It would be helpful to clarify your feelings.
It would be helpful for the questioner to take some time to think about their feelings of intimacy towards their ex-boyfriend and to try to understand the reasons behind this feeling. Was it because you had a good time together, or because he gave the questioner some kind of emotional satisfaction?
It might be helpful to consider whether this sense of intimacy could potentially affect the author's current life and marriage.
It might be helpful to take some time to reflect on the past relationship.
It might be helpful for the questioner to reflect on how things were in the past relationship, including the less positive aspects. This could provide insights into both the questioner's and the ex-boyfriend's experiences and help in understanding each other better.
It would be helpful to recognize the problems and conflicts between you, as well as his previous infidelity and ambiguous attitude. It might be beneficial to consider whether this relationship is based on respect and trust and whether it is built on good intimacy and a healthy foundation.
It would be helpful to assess the current situation.
The questioner also mentioned in the text that she now has a family and responsibilities. It would be wise for the questioner to consider what impact this behavior might have on her husband and family if she were to cross the line.
It would be beneficial for the questioner to consider the potential outcomes of re-establishing contact with her ex-boyfriend, including the impact on the relationship between the questioner and her husband.
It is also important to remember that the questioner's ex-boyfriend has a new family and responsibilities. While the feelings of the past may still be confusing for the questioner, it is helpful to recognize that the past cannot be changed. Instead, it is essential to focus on and maintain the questioner's current life and happiness.
It would be beneficial to communicate with your husband.
It would be beneficial for the questioner to express their feelings to their husband, while being mindful of not mentioning too many details that might hurt his feelings.
It would be beneficial to seek his understanding and support to help you navigate these complex emotions together. At the same time, communicating with your husband could also be helpful in determining whether he can meet your needs for care.
It would be beneficial to set some boundaries.
It would be advisable for the questioner to maintain a certain distance from her ex-boyfriend and to avoid overly intimate contact and communication.
It might be helpful to clarify your position and principles, and to try not to get too caught up in memories of the past.
It might be helpful to seek professional assistance.
Should the questioner feel unable to deal with these complex emotions, they may wish to consider seeking the help of a counselor or psychologist.
They can assist the questioner in organizing their thoughts and exploring more constructive ways of dealing with the situation. They can also help the questioner gain clarity on the factors influencing their perspective and their desired outcome in this intimate relationship.
It might be helpful to consider focusing on your own needs and growth.
It would be beneficial for the questioner to consider focusing their attention on their own growth and development, with the aim of improving their abilities and qualities.
You may wish to consider ways of enriching your life, such as learning, traveling, socializing, and other means of reducing your dependence on the past.
It may be helpful to consider that the good times from the past are worth cherishing, though they are not necessarily a necessary choice. It might be beneficial to allow yourself some time and space to think and decide. It's important to remember to cherish the happiness and stability you have now, and to be mindful of not letting memories from the past distract you from the good things in front of you.
It would be beneficial to learn to let go of the burdens of the past and face the future with courage.
It is my sincere hope that my answer will be of some assistance to the questioner.
Comments
I can relate to the confusion and mixed feelings you're experiencing. It sounds like you've been through a lot with this person, and it's hard to let go of someone who was your first love. Even though things ended between you two, it seems like the connection you once had is still there in some way. Sometimes, no matter how much time passes, certain people leave a lasting impact on our hearts.
It's clear that you've grown and changed since those days. You've taken on responsibilities and found strength within yourself that you might not have realized before. It's important to recognize your own worth and what you've achieved. Your past relationship may have had its ups and downs, but you've come out the other side stronger. Now, you have a life built on your terms, and that's something to be proud of.
The fact that he reached out and shared details about his life shows that he still thinks about you and perhaps regrets lost opportunities. However, it's crucial to be cautious when old flames reappear, especially if they bring drama or uncertainty into your life. Trusting your instincts and protecting your peace should be a priority.
You mentioned feeling close to him despite knowing that others see red flags. This closeness might stem from unresolved emotions or a longing for the comfort and familiarity of what once was. It's okay to feel these things, but it's also important to evaluate whether reopening old wounds serves any positive purpose. Reflect on what you truly want and need from your relationships, and make decisions that align with your happiness and wellbeing.