@Punky143, I m very sorry for your loss. For me, it has been very sad when I trusted someone, and they let me down. By all means take actions that help you feel safe.
You mentioned something that has been a hallmark in my recovery.
to give someone a 2nd chance although everything and everyone inside me was telling me not to.
Listening to this inner, intuitive voice, (that puts together our past experiences with our current intelligence) has really been helpful. Sometimes, that inner wisdom is hard to follow-especially when my heart wants to do the opposite action.
A second thought of yours, rings true to me.
to give someone a 2nd chance
I've learned that trusting for a second time, when 'matters of the heart' (I.e. best friendship, sexual partnerships, and even therapeutic relationships) are involved, I have always found the hurtful pattern repeated, an so the relationships have rarely worked out. It is like the negative pattern has already been set in motion (that usually repeats a past trauma for both of us) and as 'matters of the heart' relate to my sense of hope, my self-esteem, and recovery, I do best to walk away from harm.
It is easier said than done. And it is not as black and white rule, as people can change. I'm currently working through a hurtful pattern involving my therapist.
To help turn my despair around, I look at the painful experiences as learning 'emotional intelligence', that my childhood could not teach me. Most of the time, by following my intuitive voice and following that piece of emotional intelligence, I fare better in finding people who treat me (including my heart and wounded child) respectfully. Additionally, I keep my eye on if they are 'demonstrating' changed behaviors, in their daily life (i.e. communicating better, going to therapy, not blaming others,etc.)
Another piece of wisdom a teacher gave me, that helped, was "In the future, don't give all of yourself away; keep some parts of your heart for yourself."
Hope arose again for me. I give you support for your journey. :hug:
@shimmerz, as I have a trust issues with men and women, my deeper trust issue has been with women, as well. In your situation, having social workers and a new mom to deal with, must've been emotionally confusing. In my situation, my mother wasn't capable of giving a really trustworthy relationship; to make matters worse, she was compicite in the abuse. I am happy to know someone who has worked through trusting women, even if our backgrounds are different.:hug: