I understand completely! I lived with a man for 21 years and earlier this year he beat me up. It was the first and last time. I moved 1100 miles away and finally feel safe again...physically, anyway. As for interacting with people, I have no confidence in my judgement of people and I am afraid to make any new friends. I was so wrong about him and about the people who I thought were my friends but who abandoned me or took his side that I don't trust myself with new people.

It's not a matter of judgement for me. It's a matter of not wanting to get hurt again, either emotionally or physically. And it's also a matter of not wanting to put the time and effort into a new friendship only to find out it wasn't worth it.

Maybe we can help each other figure this one out? I keep getting told it's going to take time. Maybe that's what you need too? I did go to a therapist and was told I was handling the situation better than most. If you haven't gone, you might want to consider it.