I experienced a breakup recently. My ex and I were not on the same terms of our future. I also have a friend who has been an amazing support system for me, well before and after. However, I ended up developing feelings for this friend. And to make matters worse, he has a girlfriend already. He has told his girlfriend about me as well as his feelings for me that he admitted having for me. As long as they do not cross the physical boundaries with each other, they do not deem it cheating. Although, in my mind, I see it as an emotional affair. But I cannot tell another couple what they should and shouldn't see as cheating. He is well aware that I am not comfortable with that situation, and he said he would adapt if he and I decide to start something more serious.

This situation hasn't been sitting right with me. I am extremely insecure about someone who isn't even mine. I am also not sure if I am fully over my ex. I guess that is why I don't completely detest the idea of trying to build with him, or just simply be around him because I know I cannot develop anything for someone until I close my previous chapter. This hasn't come without its issues. He and I have had several disagreements and arguments regarding our dynamic and how we handle things differently. And with a little research, I discovered I may be going through two things at once:

• I am experiencing limerence with this individual.
• I have abandonment issues, although I was never conventionally abandoned.

I have an appointment with my therapist in a few days to really see if this is what I'm dealing with. One part of me really hates the idea of giving my heart to someone who is in a relationship, and the other part doesn't want me to miss out on something potentially wonderful because I had a poorly timed breakup and his current relationship dynamic previously looked like a red flag and is now just a "Well alright then" in my head. I needed to take a break from listening to Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande and paused The Notebook and Sleepless in Seattle to reach out to another human that either may be a bit wiser than I am with my clouded judgement or even someone going through something similar.

Any and all help / advice is welcome. I am also willing to dive deeper on any details or answer any questions, as well as discuss the situation.

Please be delicate. I am only human after all.