Batboy08 Posted October 26, 2006 Posted October 26, 2006 Hi all, I have a hunch this may be a VERY long post, but please take the time to read it and reply, as I am extremely stressed out about my relationship with my girlfriend. ANY feedback that you might have would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help. My girlfriend and I (both 20 years old) have been together for just over 2 years. I'd be lying if I said it was anything less than incredible. These have been the best 2 years of my life, and this girl is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is absolutely gorgeous, extremely smart, funny, caring and so very unique. I know it sound a little bit cliché, but I honestly can't see myself living without her, she means everything in the world to me and more. With that being said, I've set out on a "mission" to try to fix some big issues I am currently facing in regards to the jealousy and insecurity I am experiencing. It wasn't until my ex-girlfriend that I thought of myself as a jealous person, but now it's gotten so bad that I think it might be tearing my current relationship apart. My ex ended up cheating on me and I had a really tough time dealing with it because she was my first girlfriend. I ended up heading into my current relationship with my guard clearly up with no intention of letting them down anytime soon. Since then I have always been suspicious about everything, especially after my current girlfriend informed me that she had cheated on her ex a few times... but of course told me she would never ever do it again because she is so much more in love with me. Not only that, but I did end up starting a relationship with her while she was dating that same guy and she ended up dumping him and immediately seeing me. At the time that was great, something most guys would brag about... but I look back and think it may be a huge part of my current insecurities, feels like it could easily happen to me. After about a year of what I think to be the best year of my life, the first issue came up when I invaded her computer (another issue I will talk about later) and found out that a random guy she had met on vacation was emailing her. I am certain she did not do anything with him while on vacation (as she was there with her Mother), but I did end up finding out that she and him had fooled around on webcam. I, of course, confronted her about this and she felt awful. She was extremely apologetic and convinced me that she had succumbed to the hands of her insecurity about her looks. The guy was giving her a lot of attention and she went along with it. Fortunately it was over the computer and not in person, unfortunately it was that issue that sparked the 24/7 thought of “would she cheat on me?”… before that I had very very rarely even thought of it. Another year passes with my occasional outbursts of jealousy, but no major incidents. Then, this summer while I was on vacation, she ended up going on a little “date” with some guy she had met while I was away. Her motive for going on the “date” stems from her Mother's theory that "you should never limit yourself from new experiences, meet all the people you can”. I know her Mother would never ever try to convince her to cheat on me, but she did convince my girlfriend to go hang out with this guy one night while I was away (she was bored) and so she did. The problem was that I had once again read an email to her friend talking about how gorgeous he was, and how all she wanted to do was make-out with him. Fortunately she never did, and their meeting never resulted in anything more because they had nothing in common. She confirms that in the email by talking about the awkward silences she had with him as well as how different they were. She also asked her friend if she was a bad person for doing it, so the good news is there seems to be some morals coming into the picture. Since then she has convinced me that the "date" was nothing, it was something for her to do because she was so bored with me away. Something I believe because the only time we don't hang out everyday is when one of us is out of town or working/studying. At this point in the relationship I was pretty hurt, especially at the fact that she had lied to me and told me that she only hung out with a couple of her close friends and her mom while I was gone. She didn't want to tell me because she knew I would be upset, and since it was not a significant relationship-risking thing, she didn't want to start a fight over nothing. Good intentions on her part, but I still found out and it only made it worse. Furthermore, it has made me start thinking… what if they had a lot in common, what would have happened... I also read in that same email that she had not missed me while I was on vacation because it gave her a chance to hang out with her mom and close friends, things she doesn't do much because we hang out so often. Fair enough, but a hard thing to read. Some other comments she made about that email when I confronted her about it, was that it was girl talk and by her saying she wanted to make-out with this guy that was only saying he was really good looking, not literally wanting to make-out with him. Since that incident I have been paranoid about what she is doing when she isn't with me, specifically when she is talking to her friends on MSN/Email. She has one guy on her MSN (who she actually fooled around with once before while she was with her last boyfriend) and I can't stand the fact that they keep in touch. She tells me she only talks to him while she is bored at work, and the only thing they talk about is his girlfriend. I really find this hard to believe because I know this guy and know that he is a scumbag that is only looking to fool around with her, she knows it too. She tells me over and over that she is not the least bit attracted to him anymore and doesn't even consider him a friend, but yet they still talk sometimes on MSN. One night he even text messaged her late at night asking what she was doing and that she should call him. Her response was that he was probably drunk and looking for a late night bootie call, apparently it was completely out of the blue. Obviously what am I to think? We had a major fight, and since then it's something I think about every day. I don't think she would do anything with him since I am usually hanging out with her everyday, but I am scared of what might happen if I am out of town, or if deep down inside her she really is thinking of him. She has promised me that nothing would ever happen, and that nothing will ever happen. She has said it time and time again "I will never cheat on you." I want to believe it so badly, but I am having a really tough time. Am I wrong to be so jealous? Or am I taking things way overboard? I told her my feelings about all of this and we are still trying to work everything out, I just wanted to see what you guys think. Some other issues affecting my feelings towards her are a few little lies she has told. Like I said before, she told me that she had not hung out with anyone when she did in fact see this guy. Also, I find that when she gets in trouble from her Mother for small things she will lie her way out of in an attempt to dodge her Mothers anger. I know those aren't huge lies, but they are things that are on my mind and make me wonder if she lies about other things. I don’t want it to sound like she is the bad guy here, I have made my fair share of mistakes. I have invaded her computer/email... something I also feel ashamed of, but found things that really showed me where our relationship is really at. At this point I am not sure if I regret doing it, but will say that I am never going to check her email again because I understand it is just as big a problem as my jealousy and the last thing I want to do is make her resent me. That’s something I can easily control, whereas my feelings I cannot. I also bring up the past quite often after we have agreed to get past it… I think that’s because I just hold my feelings in for so long that I can no longer stand it. It’s my very immature way of telling her I still don’t feel 100% about things. I really don't know what to think at this point, she always manages to back her way out of every issue (except the webcam one which she took full responsibility for and felt terrible about). I want to believe her so bad, but I am having a very tough time. I just need to get over this whole jealousy/trust thing because it's the only negative issue I think that we have (albeit a big one). She always tells me how she is 100% in love with me and I believe her. I also believe she would do almost anything for me, I know I would for her. I’m just scared this is tearing us apart because the resentment is building and I’m finding it harder and harder to treat her to surprises and show my love in the cute ways relationships need. Any advice is appreciated, Thanks so much!!!
MarkhamSister Posted October 26, 2006 Posted October 26, 2006 Here's my opinion. Listen to your gut, as hard as that may be to do. Your gut is telling you that she's doing things that break your trust. Despite what she tells you, there is plenty more here than what meets the eye. Yes, you have some jealous/trust issues, but she's also doing plenty to exacerbate them. Trust is something you can't get by wanting it. It has to be constantly earned and fostered. She is not acting in a trustworthy way. Period. In a healthy relationship, both parties communicate about their actions ahead of time, not wait to get found out and then make excuses for themselves. I can remember being 20 very well, and I can remember the end of the relationship that I thought was THE ONE and thinking it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. My advice 16 years past being 20 is this. End this relationship, take some time to work on your issues, and you will thank yourself for not carrying this on any further. You sound very bright and kind, and you deserve to be with someone who trusts and respects you, and someone you can trust and respect. Peace.
PoshPrincess Posted October 26, 2006 Posted October 26, 2006 Hun, I don't think you are the one with the 'problem'. Seems to me like your GF has issues of her own to deal with. Don't blame yourself. Yes, jealousy is a very destructive emotion. I know, I have been through it too. I hated feeling that way, it did me in so badly, made me doubt the relationship I was in at the time. I still don't know over 10 years later whether it was the jealousy that broke my ex-bf and I up or whether I had good reason to be jealous. He did cheat, but had I driven him to it in the 'may as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb' kind of scenario? I do think that if you have jealous issues it may be a good idea to get counselling. It may make you stronger in dealing with your current situation or any problems with future relationships. Best of luck
Pixeystix Posted October 26, 2006 Posted October 26, 2006 Wow, that was quite the read. You should consider chopping that in half because a lot of people won't read it. Anywho, I think the important thing here is define what jealousy really is. Jealousy is an illogocal and irrational behaviour that comes 'outta nowhere' so to speak. In your case, I do not think you are at that stage and my guess is that she has convinced you that it is in fact jealousy. Although invading her privacy was not a good thing to do, I believe there would have been enough suspicion built up in you to "warrant" that action. Does it make it okay that you found something? I'm not sure, but that does tell you that your gut was right and that you should stick to it when dealing with this relationship. Don't ever sink low enough to lie to yourself, if your gut says the relationship is over... it's over! With that being said, I think the bulk if not all of "your" problems have been in reaction to how she has treated you. Her actions are wildly inappropriate and extremely disrespectful to you. Having been in a similar situation I can tell you that in order for you to resolve your issues, she will need to be the major player in it. I can also tell you that if she truely does love you, she should be more than willing to admit her mistakes and prove to you over the next stretch that she is loyal and worthy of your trust. As of now, she is not! Don't expect this to change overnight, together you will have to work long and hard to overcome such an issue. I wanted to mention, before I hit the sack, that you two are very young. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders whereas she clearly has some maturity issues. Throwing the blame of her mistakes onto other people such as her mother, as well as her cowardly excuse of "boredom" is absolutely childish. Speaking of her mother, that is quite the theory. My guess is that this Mother has far worse relationship problems than you and your lady. Like I said before, I have been in a similar situation (at the age of 21) and that guy and I are still together to this day, happier and stronger than ever. The key to our success was his overwhelming desire to fix our problems as well as take accountability for what had transpired. You will need the same thing from her if you want to make this work, and really support her as she attempts to change her ways because it will not be an easy thing for her. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. At this point I think you and I both know you deserve better. Loyalty and respect far outwheigh her willingness to hang out with you everyday, rub your shoulders and bake you cakes - that you can get from anyone. I wish you and your lady all the best, please keep us posted.
outofdarkness Posted October 30, 2006 Posted October 30, 2006 Here's my opinion. Listen to your gut, as hard as that may be to do. Your gut is telling you that she's doing things that break your trust. Despite what she tells you, there is plenty more here than what meets the eye. Yes, you have some jealous/trust issues, but she's also doing plenty to exacerbate them. Trust is something you can't get by wanting it. It has to be constantly earned and fostered. She is not acting in a trustworthy way. Period. In a healthy relationship, both parties communicate about their actions ahead of time, not wait to get found out and then make excuses for themselves. I can remember being 20 very well, and I can remember the end of the relationship that I thought was THE ONE and thinking it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. My advice 16 years past being 20 is this. End this relationship, take some time to work on your issues, and you will thank yourself for not carrying this on any further. You sound very bright and kind, and you deserve to be with someone who trusts and respects you, and someone you can trust and respect. Peace. I am not trying to be bitter or angry or spiteful, but I truly do not understand after reading your other few posts, how you feel qualified to give advice on trust issues??? You are in a secretive, deceptive and destructive affair. All rules are mute to you...You and your MM do not follow what society dictates is acceptable...I know that you don't like hearing that, but it is the truth..You are doing the W in your situation NO great favors by keeping the A from her...Same goes for your MM. Don't you think she deserves to know so that she too, can have the chance to start her life anew and maybe meet someone else as well? Putting up a front and living a complete lie just so that the he and his W can divorce amicably and everyone will be ok., is cruel..No matter when or how the A comes out, it will be destructive and hurtful to all. My parent's divorced when I was 35, and I can honestly say that it was the single most hurtful thing that I have ever dealt with...Until I found out about MY H's cheating. You and your MM have managed to justify your actions by twisting things around to seem as if you all are doing HER a favor...Sorry if I offended you, that is not my intent, but I just could not go without posting on this one.
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