Hamster,
It seems that your ex is the one person who can make you feel very insecure-whether intentional or not!
From what I have gathered from your posts, you are a strong person (overcame the threat of homelessness with a decent job), caring (willing to love and foster cats), and talented (your menus!). These qualities demonstrate a very loving, caring person, and I'll bet that some of that love is garnered on yourself!
Bluemountains