I'm doing a lot better. I have been coping better this time. I'm still in contact with him but I have set firm boundaries. Which is I don't wanna see him physically and only will speak to him once every few days and the first sign of manipulation I just hang up.
The thing about "victim narrative" has really struck a chord with me btw

I didn't realise how important that is! I need to give my self credit instead of feeling sorry for myself or whatever...although it's hard because I sort of do everything in my nature to avoid shall we call it the root of my trauma or grandad of trauma lol that gave birth to other traumas I've collected haha ...through my bad decision making and just luck I suppose.
Right this probably doesn't make much sense haha but I find it VERY thearaputic to now know that other real life people from all over the world have experienced VERY similar feelings and emotions and know how to deal with that with their heads held high!
I'm basically definitely going to work on becoming almost a new me.. sounds stupid not new but less self loathing... The past will still haunt me but I won't present myself that way and ultimately will hopefully learn how to be my individual self around people again rather than controlled by the narrative! Not promising anything lol!
Also awareness is key going forward, so as to keep my distance from the ex. I honestly don't know why I'm still talking to him but it actually makes it easier to know he's alright but I'm not bothered all the time by him, maybe I'm getting sucked back in! See this is why I love spouting shit on here I wouldn't have thought that through properly. I'm not gonna get sucked back in no matter what. I might change the number. Changed my locks already.