Anita,

Thank-you for asking the tough questions and making me reflect on my emotions and beliefs critically. Yes, I am afraid that my athletic performance will suffer because I would have to see my potential ex during training and at events. However, I am also scared of being alone and not being able to distance myself from his life. Our lives are so intertwined with athletics, and it’s not the best option for us (athletically) to change coaches. I’m scared of having to see him so often, watch him interact with our mutual friends positively, and keep going with my life pretending as though we were never together. After three years, I’m not sure how to be alone, especially because our social circles are almost identical. If it were possible to just cut off contact completely I think it would be easier for me to manage. I just know that’s not an option for us, and the thought of seeing him so often and knowing what he is up to in his life also scares me.