I know it's hard. I am 9mo out and was cut off cold and replaced. I am dating again. For me it's not the same. This man treats me like gold and all I can think about is this terrible ex who treated me like dog ___.
Being removed from the relationship I can say it does get better. You will gain more clarity as you go and the longer there is no contact the more you will be able to gain closure (of some sort).
We ruminate because we have our own issues. We want something that is bad for us. Something that hurts us. Why? In my case it makes me feel something.
I likely have BPD traits having been raised by a BPD mother who cruely cut me off three years ago. She throws out feelers every now and then and then pulls it all away.
I have learned a lot about myself this past year.
Don't beat yourself up. Don't let the words of others on this site beat you up. Life is hard enough. The only advice I can impart is do the work on yourself. When I think of her I am finally at that point I think of her with kindness and well wishes. To wish her and her new partner misfortune only hurts me. I've learned this in dealing with my mom, she will always be my mother. I love her. If she was broke, homeless and destitute I would help her.
But I can keep her at a distance. I do not need to tolerate not accept her emotional abuse.
Be kind to yourself and don't rush into dating to quell your feelings of loss. This is a loss. A loss of expectations and hopes you had for a person that was never going to be able to fulfill them.
When you do date... .be gentle. I caught myself pushing my boyfriend emotionally as he got closer. I have been honest with myself and him (he knows about my ex) and he has been nothing but loving and supporting, something I was not accustomed to.
When it's the right person you will fall in love again. It will feel strange because you were addicted to the chaos of your past relationship.
Relax. It will pass.
Time heals.
PW
(Hugs to you)
You are a very kind and sweethearted person, this was the best reply I ever had. Thank you so much!