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Divorce/Separation :
Is it normal to obsess over an exH/SO after separation?

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 Ariabook (original poster member #39669) posted at 4:33 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Is this part of the healing process? Even if you're a couple of months out and you've had good days?

I also don't check FB or text/call.

posts: 75   ·   registered: Jun. 26th, 2013   ·   location: Newwhere
id 6693741
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norabird ( member #42092) posted at 4:35 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Just my two cents, but yes, I think it's normal. As you aren't monitoring on social media to feed the obsession it should lessen. Maybe try the rubber band on your wrist trick--snap it when you start to go there.

Remember too that the best revenge is a life well lived and keep moving to get the new life you want and deserve.

((((hugs & strength)))

Sit. Feast on your life.

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sparkysable ( member #3703) posted at 4:41 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Yes, it's completely normal. It's like you are going through withdrawal, and you have to wean yourself off of it. It's hard, and every single day, heck even every single minute is a struggle.

D-day OW#1 2/2004;D-day OW#2 5/2010
Marriages that start this way, stepping over the bodies of loved ones as the giddy couple walks down the aisle, are not likely to last.

posts: 5718   ·   registered: Mar. 8th, 2004   ·   location: NY
id 6693760
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nowiknow23 ( member #33226) posted at 4:44 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

I think it's normal. As you detach more and more, the obsession loses its hold.

You can help that process along the same way you would break a bad habit. The rubber band around the wrist trick works. I had some success by refocusing whenever I caught my thoughts wandering to wasband. It was a three step thing - Stop. Breathe. Refocus. Here's how it worked:

I'm in the grocery store, walking down the tea/coffee aisle and I see the iced tea brand wasband liked. I start thinking about wasband and when I realize it, I say (in my head) STOP!

I breathe in deeply and blow it out slowly.

I refocus myself back on my shopping list and look for the next item.

Maybe that process (or something like it) can help you?

You can call me NIK

And never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.
― Sarah McMane

posts: 40250   ·   registered: Aug. 29th, 2011
id 6693776
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libertyrocks ( member #38924) posted at 4:51 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

I still do, but now that we're not together anymore, it's getting easier because I just don't care about the SOB anymore. But, yes, totally normal. I did it for a whole year of fake R-ing "for the kids," BAD mistake on my part. But, I did learn what's best for boys and myself, with the help of everyone here. :) I still look up the OW on fb. :( I'm ashamed to say. But, everytime, I get stronger and don't cry anymore. I think how great I am and how I didn't desreve that type of treatment, on any level.

[This message edited by libertyrocks at 10:52 AM, February 20th (Thursday)]

Me-37 Ws-37
2 kids
Dday Nov 2012, TT for a year.
Reconciling for the third time in 4 years.

posts: 972   ·   registered: Apr. 8th, 2013
id 6693788
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pregnantandsad ( member #40141) posted at 5:43 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

I think it's very normal. It really does start to lessen (thank goodness!) but even now I will go weeks without really thinking about them and then suddenly I will have a wave of thoughts that hit me and turn me into a mess temporarily. I like NIK's suggestion- I always try to tell myself "Let it go" and then try and focus on something else.

M 7 years, together for 12
2 kids- DD5 & DD 1 1/2
D-Day 7/2013 - Divorced!

posts: 160   ·   registered: Aug. 1st, 2013   ·   location: California
id 6693893
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LoveHerStill ( member #31504) posted at 10:40 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Yes, it is completely normal. My IC assured me it was.

I did it for well over a year and I think I obsessed longer because I was blindsided and abandoned iimmediately. In other words, I didn't want any of it. I was confused and looking for answers.

Refocusing techniques helped sometimes. Time helps more. NC is critical to stopping the obsessing.

Realize that you are responding normally to infidelity. It will take a lot of time to get back to your baseline of normality. You will stiill have periods when it all comes flooding back. Normal too.

This rollercoaster really sucks. Put simply, the only way off of it is to focus your mind on taking care of yourself and your new life, rhen you are truly taking steps forward.

Peace to all who are obsessing.

Me BH-45 @ Dday
Her WW-44 @ Dday
Married-20yrs
Together-26yrs
D-Day 4/11/10
Divorced 9/13/2010
XWW Married OM 5/23/2011

It only hurts when I breathe.

posts: 774   ·   registered: Mar. 13th, 2011   ·   location: Coeur d 'Alene, Idaho
id 6694376
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Thefly559 ( member #40268) posted at 11:02 PM on Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Yes not only normal but necessary in recovery. I did it for months , everywhere and whenever. I never fought it instead what worked for me was allowing it. Giving it power for a short period of time then nothing. Time will heal this. That dreaded time. All the best.

"respect? you don't deserve it, you won't get any from me unless you earn it"

posts: 1033   ·   registered: Aug. 11th, 2013   ·   location: nyc
id 6694409
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