anita,

Your thoughts are quite clear to me.  I think it’s a great idea to lay out a self-care plan in the context of a following relationship.  It is important to clearly know what it is I am looking for and what it is the man is looking for so neither of us get confused or make unclear assumptions.  I will definitely be working on that. 🙂

Even though it was a difficult process getting here, it’s such a blessing to finally know what my limits are.  I used to be very scared about relationships but would get involved anyway.  Subconsciously, I kept thinking they would provide me with lasting happiness.  But, now I feel very happy with myself–and if I remain single for the rest of my life, that’s okay.  I’d rather be happy alone than compromising myself to be with someone else.  It is liberating to know that I don’t need anyone to fill up a space in my life.  I think this is the biggest factor in preventing myself from getting involved in another relationship where I get hurt very badly–I just need to be clear about what I’m looking for.  And if something no longer feels right, I have the right to part ways with him.  But I finally feel confident that I won’t just settle for someone because they pop up and seem to enjoy my company, so I am very happy about this.  A big step of growth for me. 🙂  Learning lots about self-worth.

steph