Will I ever be able to trust again?
I am separated from my spouse of 10 years who recently came out as transgender after a couple years of denying it completely despite my direct asking when clues were noticed. It is a long story of course but that's not what this post is about.
We decided to separate last August and have been living separately since February but interact often because we have two young sons together. We are mostly cordial and I think we will get along well for the rest of our lives with some bumps here and there.
I don't want to be single for the rest of my life, but the idea of ever dating again seems impossible. This was really only my second relationship; we were together since I was 24. My only boyfriend before that was a serial cheater. I (and everyone around me!) really thought I picked the right person who would never hurt me.
I'm not even talking about in the near future, but how does anyone date again after betrayal this deep? I feel like I will never be able to open up to somebody again or not be paranoid a huge secret is lurking behind the corner.
Yes.... I am in therapy :). Anyone have any advice or thoughts about this?
Posted Jun 8, 2026, 4:50 AM UTC