Finding Love After Abuse and Betrayal: How I Learned to Trust Again

“How do you trust again after betrayal, abuse, and heartbreak?” It’s a question so many survivors ask, and in this episode, Mandi and her partner open up about their journey of finding love after trauma. Mandi shares how she rebuilt trust after leaving an abusive marriage—only to discover her ex was wanted by the FBI for multiple bank robberies. 

Together, Mandi and her hubby discuss the fears, challenges, and unexpected joys of starting over, blending a family, and creating a relationship built on safety, respect, and love. If you’ve ever wondered whether love after trauma is possible, this conversation is for you.

LESSONS LEARNED

Rebuilding Trust Takes Time and Intuition – After a traumatic relationship, rebuilding trust required deep self-reflection, personal growth, and learning to trust intuition when evaluating a new partner’s character.

Recognizing Red Flags and Green Flags – Signs of trustworthiness included consistency, integrity, and genuine interest, while red flags (like love bombing or lack of emotional regulation) were now easier to spot.

Healing Before Entering a New Relationship – Time spent working on personal healing and emotional growth was crucial before stepping into a new relationship to avoid past mistakes.

Navigating Dating as a Parent – Introducing a new partner to a child was done carefully and gradually to ensure emotional safety.

Managing Fears of a New Relationship – Fears of repeating past trauma or being "too damaged" were addressed through open communication, therapy, and patience.

Blended Family Challenges Require Flexibility – Adjusting to new family dynamics was a process that required patience, open dialogue, and a willingness to adapt.

RESOURCES

EHarmony.com Dating App

JOIN Mandi’s weekly email list so you are notified of new podcast episodes, upcoming speaking engagements and helpful resources! Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of her website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared