I’ve started dating again

I’ve started dating again and it’s going great. It’s great not because I’ve met anyone but because I have so much confidence in myself and am fully trusting my judgment. In the past when I was dating I might notice something that a man did or said that made me uncomfortable, but I would often brush it off and start gaslighting my own self..telling myself that I had overreacted. I recognize now that this inability to trust my own judgement at times is something that I was trained to do as a child by both my parents. When I met my abusive ex there were things he did early on when we were dating that I knew I didn’t like, but I doubted my own judgement, rationalized his behavior and continued on with the relationship. Over time he became more & more abusive & violent.

This go round with dating I am speaking up for myself and cutting men off the second they do or say something I don’t like or that feels wrong. This one guy I was talking to started texting me using a harsh tone after only knowing each other a few days. I immediately told him we weren’t a good match and blocked him. It feels so good to be able to trust myself more. I’m just having fun getting to know people and not looking for anything serious. I will keep you ladies posted on how it goes. I couldn’t have made it this far without the support from you all. 💜💜