Now you are contemplating dating, dating or in a long term relationship as a person without an eating disorder. Relationships feel very different at this stage. If something went wrong in a relationship and you experienced hurt feelings or guilt, there was always the eating disorder to help you escape. Now, conflicts in relationships are clearer. Even if you have dated and have had long term relationships, you may now feel exposed, inexperienced, and insecure.
Many people experience a new level of clingyness to their therapist.
Sessions can be filled with questions about what's normal and reasonable in relationships. Those who have suffered childhood or other sexual abuse learn and integrate new rules for relating. Slowly, skills are honed. Assertion is often one of the most important. Many people with eating disorders think in terms of meeting others' goals and sometimes can't define their own goals at all.