I have been through a similar situation with my partner. Sometimes the best thing for both of you is time even if you see other people during this time apart it may end up teaching you both a lesson and realizing you want each other. I would try to spend time with yourself, meditate, do yoga, spend time outside and with friends and family. Knowing about their other partners makes it so hard but everything happens for a reason and maybe the reason is the lesson he needs to learn from his actions. I spent about 6 months apart from my boyfriend after him cheating and we both were with other people during this time. It is still hard for us at times to know we were both with other people but it makes us realize how lucky we are to be able to find our way back to each other and slowly build trust within our relationship. I know we both still have bad thoughts about it and feel like giving up but the love you will share will come before that. Give yourself time, give him time, and try to understand who you are without someone else. I would strongly recommend downloading the app, SimpleHabit which gives you 5-30 min mediations for literally any situation and feelings you could think of! Try it! I wish you the best of luck and hope for happiness in your future.

Gabriela

Nichole,

I was very verbally abusive during the situation and even physical
He says he needs time to work on himself and forgive himself and me for things during the relationship. He says I also need time for healing and to find myself again
I completely relied on him for my happiness.

I did not read how you have worked on yourself once you left him.  I did not read what guarantees he has made not to cheat again.

Until both of you have made a commitment to change and actively engage in the process of changing then what makes you think it will be any different?

Find a therapist and start making changes to learn more about yourself and how to be healthier.

Mark