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I don't want to / can't do this anymore

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@EveHarrington , unfortunately just as many people don't value themselves, a lot don't value their partner either (though I've found many of those who do value themselves even when they don't value their partner). And surely it's easy to be used, or have friends who are fairweather. But I have found that a lot of people who are used are very sweet people, not just lacking self-esteem or self worth. I think there is a very strong conscious or unconscious drive to skip over, not notice, or even push away much more genuine feeling men. So in that regard I would challenge the mindset that says a) you have no value and are undesirable , and b) that it will remain this way.

I truly believe in challenging this gently, you will see that others do not hold that view of you whatsoever. But a jerk is a jerk, and yes a jerk because he knows making you feel worse about yourself- reinforcing it- is the only way you'll likely sleep with him. Not because others don't want you to be part of their life, but because that's all he has to offer. (Which is fine, if that's what you want too). But you have to be able to see other types exist around you first to recognize that. It can come about Eve. (And yes, I get being alone and all it infers and requires. And being isolated doesn't help.)

:hug: dear Eve.
 
@EveHarrington , unfortunately just as many people don't value themselves, a lot don'...

I don't know how to find the more genuine men. I don't know how to do any of these things. It's like that saying, I wouldn't want to be a member of any club that would have me as a member. I have nothing to offer so the only guys interested are at the bottom of the barrel (and want one thing). I guess I'm stuck up/conceited in this way, as I have no right to desire good things in a relationship when I cannot offer good things.

I don't know how to challenge this mindset. To tell myself that I have value and people would like me makes me feel like the biggest fake/phony/fraud/liar in the world. Sure, I can get people to like "me", it's not hard. It's easy to hide all of the bad stuff for a short period of time and pretend to have nothing wrong with me. But they're not really liking me because they don't know the real me. When the real stuff comes out, I see the truth, when they all run away and I'm alone again.
 
Yeah, that makes sense. So are you trying to figure out what to do about this guy? Or did you just want...

I'm in the process of ending things with him. I want things to be different in the future. I don't want to repeat these same patterns yet again. I don't know how to meet men and date normally and get to know them and have a relationship progress in a healthy way. All I know is that if someone likes me it's because they want sex and if I don't want to end up alone, I better give them what they want. It's not good, I know. I don't want to be like this.
 
I'm glad to hear you're moving towards ending things with him. Especially if he perpetuates the feeling like shit about yourself stuff. I wish I had more advice on the dating thing, but I really don't either. Do you ever think you're maybe being to hard on yourself in regards to your trauma history? By that I mean...there are a lot of supporters on here (myself included) in relationships with people, PTSD (and other shit) and all. Does that ever give you any hope?
 
Eve, keep sex out of the equation the next time you meet someone. At least for a little while then you can see who and what they really are. If they pressure you... question, answered.

You'll find someone to love but more importantly try to love yourself. You have good qualities.

*honest
*smart
*strong

Now you add something to the list.
((hugs))
 
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