As I approach what is potentially the start of a new relationship, I’m growing concerned about opening myself up and being completely honest and vulnerable. My last relationship was rife with lies and deception right from the start. I don’t know why this was exactly. I think it is likely down to my fear of confrontation. I may have started with a small lie to settle an issue and then more and more lies were needed. The worst thing about my last relationship was that I was lying to myself. I convinced myself that I was happy with how things were, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Perhaps at one point I was lying so blatantly because I wanted to get caught and put an end to it all. I felt completely trapped.
I really don’t want to make the same mistakes again. The idea of being so emotionally intimate with somebody that I am able to share anything that I’ve been through or that I’m feeling is so appealing. I’ve grown a lot since my last relationship and I do have a bit more confidence these days. I’m hopeful that if I really try, and push myself out of my comfort zone a little, then I can have that kind of relationship. What I’m not really sure about is where to draw the line?
I’m sure I will have to be open about my mental health issues (probably including suicidal tendencies) because they will come up at some point. I think that since I am seeing a psychiatrist, I’ve started on treatment and I’ve been referred for psychotherapy, it should placate Fleur as I can show that I am doing everything I can to recover. What I don’t really want to talk about is how my self-destructive tendencies in the past have resulted in me being used sexually by older men, including prostitution. Whilst it may be a relief to get it off my chest, I can’t imagine for a moment that she would understand. Will the lie of omission damage any potential future with her?