New girlfriend causes more pain

Dear Abby: My boyfriend of two years, “Kevin,” recently broke up with me. We’ve had problems in the past about me lying to him or withholding information. I didn’t lie because I’m an awful person. I lied because he had high expectations of me, and I didn’t want to be a disappointment. He is truly the first person I have loved unconditionally since the breakup with my child’s father five years ago.

Kevin and I are still friends – sometimes with benefits – but he has moved on to another woman. I’m heartbroken, and it has taken a toll on me. When I visited him the other day, I realized that she has practically moved in! She has her toiletries over there just like I did at one point.

I really want my boyfriend back! Kevin and I had talked about a life together.

But I’m worried this new woman will get the life with the man I love that I had been longing for for so long. What advice, if any, can you offer me?

Dear Left Behind: I’m sorry to be the carrier of bad news, but it appears your ex-boyfriend is enjoying the benefits of being with two women, and you are getting your heart broken. It is time for you to move on.

One has to wonder if she is aware that he has a FWB in addition to her. And by the way, I have to wonder what kind of a man behaves the way you have described because he is not treating you or this new woman honestly.

I hope you will realize that you are good enough just as you ARE, and there is no reason you must live up to anyone else’s expectations.