How to love him still but let go of the old?
My ex and I have been together for almost 4 years. I began to have bad anxiety after year 1-2 due to school and I put him through a lot of stress. On top of dealing with my anxiety, he also had to deal with his own mental health and the extra anxiety his mom goes through too, and his mom has it worse than I do, unfortunately. So its a lot for him to deal with on a weekly basis. 4 months ago we decided to take a break and I work on my anxiety and depression. While on the break he started seeing someone while still having feelings for me. They got intimate. And he told me the truth sometime within those 4 months. I gave him the chance to figure things out if he stops what hes doing. 2 days ago he confessed to me that hes still doing what hes doing. Reasons for his poor decision making was due to giving into temptation and his childhood trauma. I believe when he says he doesnt want to be that person since he broke the hearts of 2 women this weekend.
We decided to end things and give each other space to heal because we still consider one another as best friends. Were both Christian and lean on the faith that God will lead us on what to do based on what the Holy Spirit tells us. By the time I talk to him again (in a long time from now) we both will be different people. How should I move on and heal while still loving him as my best friend? I want to let go of our old relationship, the old me, the old him. How do I let go, forgive and grow?
@val3rieee
I think you're a good way there. It's important to accept him as he is now, and not expect that he will change. If/when he wants to, maybe he will change. I think you're wise to take a break until you see that change.
I'm struggling with similar stuff around behavior changes with my husband (no cheating and I'm not really religious, however). For me, the hardest part is accepting that he can't/won't change, and that it's not really about me at all. We're currently separated and living apart. I can see that he's in a lot of pain, and that saddens me...but without those changes it's not going to work.