If I had to enter the dating world again, I might do a little snooping. Maybe not through a phone or email, but I remember they used to have this "When it doubt, check him out" thing where you could find if they had a criminal record. Things have changed so much since I was dating, and since I met my husband. There were no smart phones, no texting... it'd be hard for me to date again. I am not going to say I'd be perfect and never think about investigating. But then I also say I'd stay single forever. Dating is hard.

Great relationship advice...trust, but verify!

While blind trust is a cute idea, women need to protect themselves. My ex became abusive after a few years, first emotional and verbal abuse, and little mind games, then physical abuse.

45 years old and snooping through your bf's email? Wtf?? He sounds like the only adult in your relationship! I'd be pissed if someone did that to me.

I guessed the password to my boyfriend's email account and snooped last night. We've been together 4 years. He told me that when his ex wife left him, she accused him of physical abuse. I didn't believe he could do that. Wanting to be sure, I read the email exchanges between them around the time she left..not only did they not reference any type of abuse situation, they were incredibly cordial to each other. It's great that he was such an adult during such a trying time, but I wonder if he made up the whole story of abuse thing. Or, maybe they just weren't talking about it over email. At any rate, I don't regret snooping. I'm 45 years old and aint got time for any bullshit.

He called. I didn't pick up. So hard not to start communicating again ... but I'm at 48 hrs! But so tempted to see what he'd say. Except he makes me unhappy and is not caring!!!

Whether I was single or with someone, I've never liked Valentine's Day. Too much pressure, the price of roses double or triple, and all the hype!! DH and I decided years ago that we're not participating in all the BS. We may or may not buy cards, but we'll say 'Happy VD' (our little joke) and go about our day. There are 365 days a year to show your love for someone, right?

Hell no, Dove chocolates aren't the "good" chocolates! They're one step up from Hershey Kisses. Ds spilled the beans because he's 10 and has a big mouth. Anyways, Dove chocolates are better than no chocolates and I have this feeling that I'm getting something much bigger than my usual gift of wine and chocolates and a potted plant.

I've gone 24 hrs now w/o texting him. It's been hard we used to text A LOT. Then less and now he doesn't give a shit. It's over, but it's hard for me and I feel like an alcoholic counting each moment as it comes - I can choose not to text him in this moment, and again etc...trying to make it stop completely - he just doesn't get me at all!!! :(

Nobody called you the B* word, I don't use it or condone it's use. But yeah, I'm free to comment from a stand point of thinking about the people who want even the smallest gesture and get absolutely nothing, and especially because yours was already chalked up to being bad before it had a chance. If you feel you deserve more, that's ok, but it's also ok for me to put your situation into perspective, whether it's positive or negative. I do wish you a Happy Valentine's Day OP.