I ended a toxic relationship with an unemployed addict after ten years. I am 36 years old. I left Kyle 4 months ago because I fell for someone else. I think I’m falling in love with Joe too quickly because I was so unhappy for so long. Please give me some feedback.

I met Kyle when I was 26. It was good for about 7 years. He hurt his back. Lost his job and became addicted to pain pills. I supported him. It became toxic because I enabled him. I was unhappy. I cheated with three guys in the last three years which has been since the relationship turned toxic. I did not feel I could leave him because he was dependent on me.

This summer I hooked up with Joe. I knew him since we were kids. I knew it was time to leave Kyle because I was HAPPY with Joe and MISERABLE supporting and enabling Kyle for the past 3 years. I left Kyle in September to take my life back. I did not know if things would work with Joe. It Didn’t matter. I had to leave Kyle.

Now it is nearly 6 that I’ve been dating Joe. 4 months separated from Kyle. When I am with Joe I am happy and at peace. When I am not with him I think of him constantly. This Christmas he went a bought a tree just for us. He never had a Christmas tree at his bachelor’s pad and wanted to enjoy this holiday with me he said. Then he spent Christmas Eve with my family and me. He baked brownies for all of us. You know my mom loved that btw (: This made a major impact on me. He worked Christmas day (law enforcement) and all day I sulked. I hated being away from him.

I think I am falling in love with him. I know him long time. I know his family. He is caring and attentive. He is ambitious and driven. He makes me happy. I want to be with him always. But is this only because I was so unhappy for so long that I have these feelings? OR can it be real? Keep in mind I have had other men while with Kyle but never any emotional attachment. I really think I am falling in love and so is he.

For all of you in a toxic relationship, please see how happy I am since leaving mine behind.