u/Specialist-Fix-4534

Hey! I'm hoping to start a romance centered book club to connect with more people in the area 🫶🏻 will probably meet in JC (public locations like parks or similar). Genres and tropes generally partaking to either contemporary small town or dark romance. There will 95% be 🌶️ though. Open to all ages and genders—just as long as you actually like and read romance books (but I am 22F if that is a concern for whatever reason).

Depending on interest, I'll get a GC going on GroupMe or Discord <3.

...for moving on fast, even though I grieved SO much during the relationship?

I won't get into the nitty details, but the relationship was extremely toxic, even though I originally thought it was standard. But in reality, I was begging for the bare minimum. Outright begging for attention, phone calls, for us to see each other (we were LD). He would say, "I'm doing my best," or "I thought I was giving you enough," even when I'd be crying myself to sleep.

We were together for years. I tried so hard to hold on. I even forced myself into kinks I didn't enjoy to try and please him. But then we had a fight one day, and I just fully came to my senses while thinking, "I'm so unhappy." I still held on for 3 months though, like a dummy. Hoping for change.

Cut to now, and I don't cry much at all anymore. I just do my thing. I work. I hang out with my family. I fully believe I cried more during the relationship than after. And don't get me wrong, I am starting therapy soon, because whoever I date next doesn't deserve any potential baggage. But everyone always says, "You can't handle being alone if you move on too fast." Does that count if you felt so alone for 6-12 month IN the relationship?

In my brain, I just feel like I deserve the love that I give. So, moving on is fine, IF it's to my standards. And believe me, I am vetting them. But idk.

TW: a large reason I feel any sort of guilt is due to grooming I experienced, and I'm breaking out of that. Still worth the question though.

Creative human who works from home...but I'm trying to actually leave said home here and there, like on days I can do simple admin tasks instead. Meeting people is a perk but definitely not required. Suggestions? Favorite parks, outdoor spots, coffee shops, etc? I can always hotspot from my phone so wifi isn't required, just a bonus :)

I (22F) have pretty much lived in Johnson City my whole life, but I work from home, so I don't talk to local people much. I just got out of a pretty toxic long term relationship where I isolated myself entirely, and one thing I'm really trying to do is get back out there in terms of friends/enjoying life. But that's kinda hard when you're an introvert who hates drinking, partying, and clubs 😆🫠 so, here I am.

About me: I love reading (particularly romance). I'm a graphic designer. I used to be a huge gym person prior to an injury but I'd be down to try again. LOVE concerts; rock, country, and pop are favorites. I'm into true crime documentaries (and can probably scare you with facts there). I also travel when I can :)

I'm sure there's more, but like I said, kinda rediscovering my whole existence 😬

Also down if anyone has any club recommendations or something! :)