Thank you for relating. I think I'm on your same path, just a little behind. I had to basically clear everyone out first, just like a lady told me a year and a half ago. I'm still working on rebuilding, but since I don't know how, it's a really slow process. And since I'm so insistent on never falling into those crazy-making places again, the slightest hint of it makes me run. Slowly, I'm learning to assess if a place is safe and made a mistake, or it's a purposeful manipulative tactic. But just like that freaking lady said, I rather be alone and peaceful that surrounded by jerks. Damn it, she was right about everything.

I'm really happy you found your people :)