I'm 34 (F) and I'm not able to move on from my toxic ex because I've a fear that i won't be able to find someone else at this age. I want to settle down and tried bumble dating but after meeting few people I couldn't connect with, I don't know where I can meet someone and that's how I see all my hopes dwindling down and then I feel I need to get back to my ex for fear of being alone and not finding anyone.

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Dating is hard but going back to your toxic ex basically guarantees that you will not be able to find anyone. Going back means closing yourself off to good potentials who are NOT toxic

likehelpful

I can relate. It took me a year to move on from a heartbreak, in that year I spent a lot of time alone. Yes it sucks but it’s just life. We need to learn how to deal with our anxiety head on and figure it out as we go. Know that it will be fine and work out somehow.

likeupliftinghelpful

Not wanting to open any wounds but what about your ex is toxic? Are these issues around compromise or is this abusive? Gives a lot of color as to the healthiness of staying in it versus leaving.

I’m in a similar situation but difference is my SO and I have compatibility issues so seeing if we can come to a middle road. If it was abusive/toxic though, would get out

likehelpfulfunny

This. Describing the behavior rather than labelling it is a mark of maturity.

likesmartfunny

38 now and stayed with him for 2 years because of that same fear ! I have been out for about 4 years . I still didn’t meet anyone and I am lonely and online dating is hard . Guess what absolutely no F…way I will go back to him ! Never ever ! The abusive was real …no I rather be single ; and I don’t know what he made you go through but if it’s anything closed to what I went through I pray that you see your value and stay away. The most important person in your eyes should be yourself and make sure that you protect yourself mentally and physically.

likehelpful

Love YOU more! If you labeled it as Toxic then that’s what it was! I think healing first because in this current state you will only re-attract & re-attach yourself to the same level of toxicity! A therapist which I am not will help you with missing the person vs missing the toxic and seeing how the same person can only give the same results.

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Being single is sooo much better than being in a toxic relationship. You have a piece of mind

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I stayed too long — in 13 years with 10 of those years being cheated on, gaslit, mentally and financially abused.

I wish I didn’t wait so long and spent too mich time after with my mind and heart still occupied with him. When I finally healed and let go, there was finally space for someone new and I met my partner on the escalator at Target 2 days after my 37th birthday, I shit you not. This October will be our 4 year anniversary. And December will be our 5th Christmas together (our 1st xmas being just a few months after we met).

My current partner also needed to let go of the space his ex was occupying in his mind. It took him 6 years and once he really let that go (she did him dirty) he was able to find me.

I feel like everyone I’ve dated from an app was still very much healing from something and not ready for relationships. They wanted rebounds at best. Take it offline or try a matchmaker. But you really need to be ready for it to work, so I suggest therapy.

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