He never abused me physically or mentally, but I had always to ask for a kiss or a hug. The only time he really showed affection was when he wanted sex. I have no self esteem and would like to become the vibrant person I was before I met him. I wasn't afraid of anything before him and now, I am afraid of everything. If you could please give me some ideas on how to start again through tapes, books or therapists that would be great.
Many people look to another person for fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
They feel as though they are incomplete unless they are in a relationship. These folks do not realize the responsibility they are placing on their partner. They are asking their partner to fill in the spaces that they themselves should fill in. Their partner then has to complete his own life as well as yours. We each have a responsibility for becoming the most complete, self-fulfilled person that we can become.