RickyFitts

Trauma is such an important subject, I believe, so thanks very much for the recommendation, @Gianna, I'll definitely check it out

@Gregory1 Ahh okay, I'm with you!

@Nahm Love it

Nope, I still haven't got a clue what this means, even from the context. Even tried googling it an' all, didn't turn up anything.

And then you resist the resistance - that's when it gets really fucking frustrating!

Agree wholeheartedly with everything @taotemu said. Boy, is it hard work, and it can feel seriously dispiriting and endless at times, but you just have to persevere with it and take it one day at a time. This is the stark reality. The price of freedom is a big one, but it's worth it.

Very profound! (But yes, I agree!)

Hehe, sure does

Love this, this is wisdom

I think it's the inevitable result of the illusion of separation, if we imagine ourselves to be separate, tiny fragments in an inconceivably vast universe, it's inevitable that we feel fear - and fear is at the root of resistance. And I think this resistance is absolutely necessary for our survival (it's the foundation of the ego-structure, which we need in order to function in the world), up to the point that we become conscious enough that we can allow it to release.

Oh I like it, very different! I've dabbled in recording music in the past so I'm naturally curious, what are you playing there exactly? Sounds like a synthesizer of some description?

What a beautiful soul you are, Esilda, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful thoughts and pictures

I need to keep this in mind, because I always find it so much easier to see the beauty in other people than to see it in myself - but it's wonderful to have the mirror of other people anyway

Ultimately only you can really know whether you should pursue the relationship or whether you should focus on self-healing - do what feels right for you, none of us knows better than you what's the right course of action for you. It might sound scary, but I think you should explain to the person how you're feeling at the moment with regards to the relationship and your inner struggles, primarily so that they don't end up feeling confused and hurt but also because, who knows, maybe talking things through with them will make things clearer for you.

Wonderful

Hey, no arguments there bro! (Just kidding, fella )

I think so too, and you're right, you should do what feels right for you

@hamedsf I think the majority of women grow out of that as they develop more maturity, they become disillusioned by that sort of behaviour.

Excellent advice, though it can be easier said than done Also very good advice. I think understanding what's at the root of the jealousy/insecurity on an emotional level is key, though again that can be a lot easier said than done. An excellent point - vulnerability is often equated with weakness, and yet it can take considerable courage to open up to another about how you feel on the deepest level.

@Esilda Aww I'm sorry you had such a stressful day, I understand how that could cause you to doubt yourself - I was so touched by what you shared though, it was really beautiful

You're such a beautiful person, Gianna

Say what now?

Thank you, I really appreciate it

I was thinking about relationships in general, not just romantic relationships, but yes, sadly I think there's a lot of truth in what you say. The majority of men don't seem to recognise the beauty of women beyond the physical (I was the same for a long time, I'm embarrassed to say), which is just desperately sad.