BlueSky99, Welcome
Absolutely, you're not alone and you will find huge support here.
For starters, I recommend that you read and study the
lessons (see right margin--->.
I can relate very much to your post. My BPDgf also likes affection from other men (and women), she flirts and enjoys creating jealousy. I think it also confirms to her that I care. She tests and provokes me everyday... .her way to feel in control.
I see many guys blowing up her phone (she shows me), proposing her all kinds of sexual plans, even offering her money in exchange for some fun time. Other times she will flirt with other men in front of me and will say we're just friends so these men will play along.
It is uncomfortable, to say the least. If I don't react, she will push harder until some drama happens. If I react, she will see me as weak and not ready to deal with her.
The alternative is to learn to respond instead of reacting. You can do this once you know who you are, what are your core values, what is it that you look for in a relationship, what are your boundaries, etc.
Boundaries is one the key words. They are attached to your core values, to your essence. Learning to set up proper boundaries, communicating them in an appropriate manner and enforcing them is vital to maintaining a healthy relationship.
Another key word is Validation. Please, read the lessons for more info on validation.
You may want to watch a video on validation by alan Fruzzetti here:
https://bpdfamily.com/message_board/index.php?topic=206132.0So far what keeps me moving forward in my relationship is to see that most of the time we spend together is absolutely great. I can feel the mutual love and connection. I also pay more attention to facts and not so much to her words. She might be speaking of other men, but guess with who she is sleeping every night. Me. Why? Because she knows I can see through her, because I'm not a push over, because she feels safe, because she knows I WILL walk away and never look back if she cheats, because as she told me recently "I'm a better person when you're near me".
I also want to stress how important it is to become knowledgeable on how BPD affects your partner.
Be patient, take things slow, work on yourself and find your centeredness.
Keep posting, you will find great support from other members
mw