Need Advice: Dealing with My Husband’s Affair 5 Years Later

Hey everyone,

I really need some advice and support right now. Five years ago, I found out that my husband, Jacob, was having an affair with a woman named Gabriella. It was one of the most painful experiences of my life, and it took everything in me to try and move past it. Jacob and I decided to work on our marriage, and for the most part, things have been okay. But lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m stuck in the past, and I can’t seem to shake off the anger and hurt.

I recently came across an old letter I wrote to Gabriella, telling her how much she had hurt me and how I hoped she would become just a bad memory. Now, five years later, I realize that she’s still a shadow over my life. I don’t know if it’s because I never truly forgave Jacob or if it’s because I never got closure from Gabriella.

I’ve tried talking to Jacob about it, but he gets defensive and says we should focus on the future. My friends, Willow and Cora, have been supportive, but they don’t really understand what I’m going through. I feel like I’m carrying this burden alone, and it’s affecting my mental health and my relationship with Jacob.

So, I’m turning to you all for advice. How do I let go of this pain and move forward? Should I try to reach out to Gabriella for closure, or is that just opening old wounds? How do I rebuild trust with Jacob when the past still haunts me? Any tips or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.