In "The 'New Side Chick': I was Her", I introduced a new role a lot of women play to men who aren't seriously interested in them.  In "The New Side Chick Part II: But I Can't Leave Him...", I discussed how to leave those unhealthy, loveless relationships/situationships.  But then what?!  You find your knight in shining armor and live happily ever after? Ha! I wish that was the case.  I have to be honest with you:  It's been about 8 months since cutting my ties with Jake, and I am still not fully healed. I've become too guarded over my heart.  I began to see every man who does not immediately commit to me as a potential Jake.  I wouldn't allow myself to really open up and be vulnerable with another guy, no matter how good they were, because in my mind, they would eventually hurt me.  I developed a fear of becoming The New Side Chick again. Often times when we end relationships/situationships, we just leave the title and the person.  However, the heartache and blockades around our hearts follow us.