Elizabeth Best

I hear internet dating success stories all the time. My story never seems to quite go that way. I’ll just be sitting here waiting for my weirdo.

A year ago I’d never even heard of being ghosted, let alone had it happen to me.But earlier this year, for the first time in my life, I was ghosted.

I still want to be in a relationship eventually, and have a family and all that, but right now I am happy being single, and that scares me.

Could my exes have learnt how to love someone fully and completely through their trial run with me?

It’s going to take a while to build my self-esteem back up to where it was. But at least I know I can now recognize an emotionally abusive relationship.

The worst thought of all — if I meet someone who actually is really nice, how will I stop my anxiety from telling me they will end up being assholes?

I do sometimes spot “red flags” that aren’t actually there because I am expecting to be hurt. I get anxious if someone doesn’t call when they say they will.

Do I give you unsolicited advice on your marriage? Don't comment on my singledom.

There are some people who are all for dating a co-worker; after all, we spend more time in the office than almost anywhere else.