hi all, just hoping for some guidance. i find myself in a difficult place. several years ago i dated a woman who i was madly in love with. i had so much fun being with her and her children. she was kind and compassionate. i truly never felt so close to someone. however, she was going through a divorce and was struggling to find herself. she had been a stay at home mom and now she was facing many changes.

she was going back to beauty school and trying to establish a career. she was on her own for the first time having married her high school sweetheart.

and although i wanted to spend forever with her, i felt she was unsure and needed time and space to feel confident. i wanted her to want me because she chose to and not because she needed to. so i left her go.

this has been a year and a half.

during this time i have started dating another woman who is very sweet. very kind. she is considerate she is a teacher. no children. she has never been married. she really is an amazing caring and loving person. yet in spite of this all i have never stopped caring and missing my ex.

i shared this with my current girlfriend because i feel she has the right to know. we’ve been together over a year and i have never told her i love her. i tell her i care deeply for her and she is a great girlfriend but that i feel it is unfair to say the word love when my heart feels divided.

i know that my ex misses me and would like to be back with me as well. i feel so confused.

i don’t know if i am struggling to let go or if i should acknowledge the fact i miss her so badly.

i dont want to hurt my current girlfriend. she has done nothing to deserve anything but the best. i know i care for her but i feel as if im cheating her by having mixed feelings.

i honestly dont know what to do in order to honor everyone. any advice is appreciated. i dont want to continue hurting others and i want to find my sense of peace. thanks all.