Dear Lindsey:

I read your update in regard to your mother interacting with and being nice to your ex (and to his girlfriend, I assume). I know that this is an old topic that bothered you in the past. Regarding your current boyfriend’s bad news- that’s terrible, I am sorry for his daughter and for him, and I hope she heals and recovers.

“I do not see this relationship lasting. He will be in Memphis for 6 weeks at a time for 6 months.  I do not feel that I would be able to hold a relationship together if I were in his shoes”- I imagine that he will be focused on his daughter, and that he will not be available, or able to give you the attention that you  need. Preparing for the ending of this relationship reads like a wise choice.

“I believe I should seek counseling to address the strong sense of abandonment/anxiety I have felt with relationships”- another wise choice. I remember from our previous communication that your severe anxiety started in the context of your mother suddenly kicking you out at about 18, if I remember correctly, at a time when you were not at all prepared to live on your own, away from her (?)

anita