Trying to move on, but emotionally abusive ex is still around
Dear Carolyn: My ex-spouse and I live in the samecommunityand we have been split for a couple of years now, no kids. We do not communicate other thanan occasional hello if we are in the same space.
My issue is that we see each other often and are involved in so many of the same social activities, friendship groups and neighborhoods. We end up seeing each other anywhere from one to four times per month. I find it incredibly frustrating — this person hurt me deeply and was emotionally abusive and I find itreally hardto be near them because it feels like it keeps micro-cutting a deep wound that I am trying to heal. And it feels like my ex will never faceaccountabilityfor all the hurt they caused and just gets to move forward with their life.
I have traveled to different cities looking to see if it feels right to move, but my job and family and friends are all here in this community, and I do not want to move. I haven’t seen any signs that my ex will move, as they are in the same situation with job/family/friends.
Any practical advice? Is it something that will just take time? More therapy?
