Navigating a New Relationship After Trauma

The media overplays how real relationships work. In my opinion, a good partner shouldn't make me feel butterflies all the time. I think a good relationship should be quiet and gentle. A real partner won't buy you expensive, grand gifts if they really like you, because gifts like that mean that they have to persuade you to like them. A real partner will go grocery shopping, and grab a bag of chips for you because they know you love them. My partner got me a pair of socks because he knows I love cute socks. He got a stuffed animal because he knows they comfort me. It was not expensive, but it meant more than a necklace would. If your partner makes you feel like life really isn't so bad, that your dream house would have a fireplace, and that today is a really beautiful day... that's a keeper.

Well, you can't be in honeymoon mode forever. Once the high comes down on both of your parts, it's easier to judge if the relationship is sustainable. It sounds like it would be for you guys according to your post. Just don't throw the baby out with the bathwater trying to chase the endorphin high of a new relationship. I speak from personal experience.

I'm in a similar place... I told my therapist this and he said "you think too much" haha. I think first loves are sometimes emotionally reckless and you're probably just more guarded than you're used to being in relationships, or at least that's the case with me. I hope you can have patience with yourself and good luck with the new relationship:)

I was all in with someone who left me when I was at a low point in my life. No matter what I did, nothing made it better. It took me a while, but I finally realized that she never truly loved me the same way I loved her. That type of love will come back. Just give it some time.

I'm sorry, I don't, but that just sounded like something future me would ask after dating someone new. I will say that if you truly care for her and want your relationship to grow, then in time, your mind and your heart will recognize that strong emotional attachment you have for her day after day is in fact, love.