Not sure if it's my brain or reality

[blueheartandgoldfish]

I've experienced several sexual assaults and stalking in my life. I've been seeing a therapist and taking medication and things are actually getting a little better, bit by bit.

I recently went to therapy with a family member to work out some issues, I felt better after I went to therapy because he was acting appropriately and we were in a room with another person.

I've been wanted to invite him out to dinner or something with my family, but previously, part of the reason I was avoiding him was because he was looking at me in a way I didn't feel comfortable with. He also looks at waitresses and other younger women in that way and it makes me uncomfortable. I felt like he was looking at my chest, etc. I can't tell if it's something I've worked up in my head because of my illness or if it is real, but it is distressing me, because I don't want to be hurtful and avoid this person for ever, for the vague reason of, "He looked at me funny" but I'm trying to limit my triggers, so I can move forward and have a life. Now I'm just not sure what to think or do.

 

[Keming]

if you had to visit a therapist because of his mistreatment, perhaps inviting him to dinner is a bit premature.