I am in a relationship that has gone on for a year and a half... I am experiencing a lot of emotional turmoil as a result of some things that have happened that I can either walk away and start fresh, or continue to dig in. Basically, I have given the man I am with another (last) chance because I believe in him- the problem is, the people around me dont respect our relationship and dont want me with him (including my parents). Now I have a couple supportive friends who will accept any decision I make, they just want me to be happy and know that in being a friend they want to be there to help me make the right decision. I am 30, he is 35- we both met during "rough" times in our life so we weren't healthy at the beginning to say the least. We went through some things, my friends and family saw me hurt, and I shared WAY too much personal stuff with them, we had broken up and of course I went on my rant to make myself feel better, and now we are back together. I am very happy when I am with him, I am trying to decide if I want to give him a second chance but it is so hard to focus while I'm almost caught up living a second life, so to speak. I don't want to tell my parents or friends he is here, I'm scared of their reactions and I don't know how I will ever get people to accept him or us if I decide this is what I want. He is willing to talk to my parents, but I'm not sure how to approach the situation and what would be best at this point. My turmoil comes also becuase I want to make the best decision, and I know if my friends and family voice concerns and don't like him, then there is a reason for that (which is not what I want to focus on here)... I also know that him and I have been through a lot that most people don't see or appreciate and we are doing great, almost better with some of the struggles we have gone through- but I feel like I can't explain or express that. I just want to come out with it, but I am so terrified of peoples reactions and that they will all turn their back on me (this is an on-going issue I have with people pleasing, and being VERY concerned with what others, especially my parents, think- and it is something I am working on in therapy.) The friends that do accept him and I just tell me that they are here for me, that I shoulnd't feel uncomfortable bringing him around, and whatever happens they will be there to support me. I'm terrified to have that talk with my parents that he is back in the picture, but I hate that when he is in town I cant bring him around them... I feel secluded from some parts of my life.