AMITAH for moving on 11 months after an abusive relationship? (31F)
11 months ago I left my partner 39M of 3 years after I found out he was cheating on me and lying about it for the entire relationship. In the last year of the relationship it was horrific, he was violent, verbally abusive, distant and incredibly secretive. For that whole year I found myself slowly losing my love for him the more and more he called me "stupid" choked me, kicked me out, for questioning his shady behaviour. Turns out I was right all along when a mysterious woman messaged me one day and told me he was talking to women online and organizing meet ups (especially when I was caring for my mother who had cancer) I finally had the solid proof and left. I did not feel sadness, I felt relief. I no longer felt like I was crazy, I was right all along and I knew I didn't deserve any of it.
I got a job traveling around the country and concentrated on myself for the past 11 months. My mother passed away, but I reconnected with my sister. My friend groups have never been stronger. And I now focus on health and personal growth. Suddenly I started to notice people's flaws more, things I would have overlooked, like what I did with my ex. I'm more careful with who I let in.
Well about a month ago, I messaged a friend of mine 30M, who I've known for 7 years. We had a great conversation about the past, our futures, the conversation lasted 5 days. He posted a picture online and I thought he looked really cute. So I asked him on a date. I wasn't looking for anything serious but I thought it would be cute, he knew this and agreed.
Well turns out, it was a fantastic date! We found ourselves talking in the restaurant for 4 hours, then talked some more later on for 4 more hours! He was kind, respectful, and we were bouncing off each other with ease. I felt like my old self again.
We see each other once a week now, we're about to go on our 5th date, and I'm meeting him today for coffee. We're both excited to see each other and we're giddy like school kids. I've always thought he was wonderful, hence why we've been friends for 7 years. But now I see him as remarkable. The most respectful, level headed, gentle and loving person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
So my question is this, am I in the wrong for having feelings for someone 11 months after the end of a 3 year relationship? I mean, I don't think I am. Seeing as I feel like I've been single for 2 years. That last year of my relationship was pure hell, I had no love left. I feel ready to find someone who won't hurt me, won't waste my time. I have so much love to give and want to support someone who deserves the very best in this world, like my friend. We're nothing too serious at the moment but I can definitely see a future in him, and he agrees. But I cannot shake this guilt that it may look like I'm man-hopping.