I can totally see the parallels between this and a professional break-up. Same nervous system mechanism, same wound repetition, same projected fear.

And yes, the pesky past really does linger despite SO much work in thriving! choosing new things and people and not repeating old patterns! But there's just a percentage of the whole thing that needs... time. And time, only.

May we all continue calling in people and situations that allow and offer space for us to slow down and untangle when the thing inevitably comes up again. And, untangle? Exactly the action that is needed in these cases.