Article 39

It has been over 7 months since I ended my relationship with Mike. I have struggled daily with the guilt of abandoning a friend while in the throes of addiction – or choosing to honour myself.
He still contacts me and calls me ‘babe’. He still ends some convos with, “I love you”. This presents a problem for me. I do not reach out first – nor do I ever respond with an “I love you, too”. Ever. Those are sacred words. I have made it crystal clear that we will never be in a relationship again, and I have asked him to keep his texts platonic.
Not only is the relationship between Canada and the USA strained (he will NEVER be able to come here and I refuse to visit there)…but I know it’s only a matter of time before the drinking takes hold. I’ve been down this road with him before. FOUR times.
At one point, our relationship was filling my cup – but this is no longer true. Talking with him absolutely drains me. Continuing to support him through one crisis after another and being there for him…is just too much. I have given myself a two-week deadline to cut ties completely. It will not be easy – but I know it needs to happen.
My advice today – consider if your relationships are serving you. Are you there because it’s easy or comfortable? Are you trauma bonded to your partner like I was? Do you feel lonely even when you are together? If the answer is yes – it’s time to move on. Life is too short to sacrifice your own well-being…take control and say farewell.