OUTRAGEOUS wrote:I was told that I could forgive, but I didn't necessarily have to forget. Then it turns into a vicious circle, if I can't forget, I won't be able to let it go... it will always lurk there...
I haven't forgotten, and it still hurts a little, and leaves me short of breath... I can't forget, so I will always know the signs of cheating... I can't trust, because I'll be cheated on again...
Sounds familiar? Tell us about it.
And so the cycle begins over and over again and the neon sign on your forehead flashes "Cheat on Me"
For me, forgiving someone of their actions is different than holding them accountable. What I see in others that I use to see in myself is that I didn't know the difference. While I can and have forgiven the action I still hold that person accountable by stopping the action from happening with that person again. What I mean by this is yes, I dearly love a man that was never faithful to me, it hurt a great deal, I am saddened by his actions,
he is not a horrible person, I wish him the best and I am still friends with him. How did I stop the action from happening again? I am no longer in a romantic relationship, even though I am in love with him. It can never be. I deserve a man that will be faithful, honest, and will create open communication. I will always know the signs of cheating and that still doesn't mean "I can't trust" again. For me it's my personal power inside that I know if I see the signs I will leave the relationship period. I have the trust within myself that I will take care of me. I have my 100% responsibility in the relationship and the other person has their 100% responsibility.
For me, the "I can't trust, because I'll be cheated on again...." is playing the victim and asking for people to be a part of a pity party. I choose not to be a victim and I chose to move on with my life. If that includes a man in the future I am open to it. If not then I can take care of myself. When I say the word "I" it comes from personal power not victimization.