Trust issues
I have never done this before, but I have no one to talk to right now. I am scared and alone. When I was a child my father was abusive towards my mother, and tried to kill all of us. I don't think about this often, as I usually disconnect from it so much that it seems like someone elses story when I think about it. I have been in a relationship now for 4 years. About a year ago my partner contacted someone they used to have a thing for and were talking casually over social media. I read the messages and my partner never mentioned me and lied to me when I first confronted them before they had me read them. They said they only lied because they didnt want me to think anything happened since nothing did, but since they lied in the first place it has been difficult for me to trust them ever since. I think my trust issues come from my childhood, being let down so often I am skeptical of everone around me and feel like everyone is only looking out for themselves. When I first found out that they messaged this person, I contacted their brother who confirmed with me that they never texted and nothing happened. I want to believe that nothing else happened and move past this, and sometimes my mind drifts away and begins to forget but other times the thoughts come swooping back in. I am in so much pain. I don't know how to stop obsessing over these thoughts that i have. When I try to talk to them about it, they apologize or say they feel bad they ever messaged them but don't talk to me much because they're not good at handling emotions. I'm not sure what to do. I am scared that I'm being paranoid or obsessing too much but how do I stop thinking of these things. Its been almost a year since this happened, when will i stop thinking about it. I feel haunted by these thoughts. I just want to be how normal people are.
life is not always happy, clean, and pretty. we know 50% people admit to cheating and then there are some who don't admit and do it anyhow. so, i'm thinking, on average, each relationship will go through at least one infidelity issue, whether that's physical or emotional. some of those will blow up, some will heal and be even potentially better and stronger.
i'm thinking there is little downside to explaining to the other how that behavior was hurtful. and it's good to draw clear boundaries. on the other hand, people like to feel free and have some space and may not feel good being closely watched and/or forced to do things against their nature. its very hard to change adults.
i don't think i'm helping you much, but maybe you have to look at the bigger picture that the people close to you love you and do the best they can, but they still are just humans and will make mistakes.