Fatima: Love, Family, and Career

Chapter 13: Who Needs Therapy?

Even though Fatima is a strong, successful black woman, she has dealt with things that make her put a wall up. She doesn't let too many people into her life, afraid that they will leave or disappoint her. She arrives at the therapist's office.

"Hi, Fatima. How have you been?" The therapist asks.

Hi Dr. Tiff. I'm good."

"It's been a few months since we've talked. What brings you here?"

"Well, Ian has shown up again. Lying about his mom being sick. Not only that, but I saw his mom the other day and she confirmed that she wasn't sick."

"How did seeing him again make you feel?"

"Annoyed, Pissed."

"Ok. Well of course, we can't control others, but we can control ourselves. How did you handle it this time?"

"I did good. I asked him to leave me house, and told his ass not come back over again."

"Ok great improvement."

Last time Fatima saw Ian after the cheating incident she could have lost her law license or even went to jail. He had come over to get the remaining of his belongings at her house, which she has burned. She also beat him with a bat leaving him with bruised ribs. Luckily, he didn't press charges because he loves Fatima and knows he deserved it.

"I actually think I am healed from Ian. Like he doesn't make me see red like I used to when I would see him." says Fatima.

"Good, so then what else is it?" asked Dr. Tiff.

"Well, I met a new guy a few months ago in Orlando, we hit it off and even slept together. Then I ghosted him."

"Do you know why you ghosted him?"

"I'm afraid to get too close to him because I like him a lot."

"Hmm." Dr. Tiff is listening.

"I saw him again yesterday. It turns out he is my realtor. I kind of made him mad and he left in the middle of lunch."

"So, it sounds like you are purposely trying to push him away."

"I just got this feeling that he will leave me..."

"Like your mom did?"

"Yes." Fatima starts to tear up.

"It's okay to feel that way Fatima, but you can't keep letting what your mom did dictate what you think someone else may do. You have to give people a chance until they show you who they are."

"I Know."

"Let's pick this up next week. I want to see how this goes. Just remember what I said. Your task for this week is getting to know someone new. Letting them get to know you. Okay."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you, Dr. Tiff.