My stbx has been gone for almost a year, I have been faithful and I have done as I should have in this. I forgave him, I prayed, I waited and while I do not mean to make it seem as if I have given God a time line, and now I am saying 'OK I am done' God released me a long time ago with this, it has been me who chose to hang on. There is a very dear friend who crossed my path, that if for no other reason, he gives me something to think about other than my ex and my pain, he gives me hope in seeing what could be and he gives me butterflies in my stomach when he is near. It is scary to think of loving again, but not scary enough to not try. We have to allow ourselves the chance to be happy again.