DEAR ABBY: Years ago, I dated an awful guy. He possessed just about every negative quality you could imagine. I dated him anyway because I was immature, depressed and lonely.
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Since we broke up and I got my mental health back on track, my life has been wonderful. I keep moving up and forward in life. I hear through the grapevine that his life, on the other hand, is in shambles.
I blame myself for wasting the time I did with him. Sometimes when he pops into my head I get sick to my stomach. I'm afraid he might come back into my life and harm me because he blames me for his miserable life and bad choices.
How do you remove such a negative person from your memory? Is it possible to forget -- especially when you want to? -- ANNOYED IN TEXAS
DEAR ANNOYED: Your experiences have made you the person you are, and at this point in your life, you have made yourself successful and happy. Congratulations for that. Now it's time to stop listening to news about your ex-boyfriend through the grapevine.
When friends bring him up, tell them you aren't interested. If he lives nearby, frequents the same places you do and has threatened you, talk to law enforcement or move. Give it time; time has a way of healing. It's important that you continue getting on with your life. You may find fears will dissipate once you find a new significant other.