Family and Friends Forum

Hi everyone. Hope people are doing ok. I haven't been on here for a while. Iv had a good long stretch where my partners past hasn't cropped up to bite us! But just really needed to come to this safe space to air my frustration and anxiety if you don't mind. I have told 2 of my best friends about my partners past and they were incredibly supportive and accepting. (Neither have told their husbands as they don't think they'd have the same reaction however. I generally only see my girlfriends rather than them with their families so the issue has never cropped up about my partner meeting their kids). But I have another very dear friend who lives far away and I normally visit her and her family a few times a year. Since being with my partner Iv been able to make reasonable excuses for him not coming with me. I haven't told her yet. I actually think she would be incredibly understanding and accepting and I hate hiding something from her. But I doubt her husband would feel the same, plus he is still friends with my ex-partner and I'm scared the news could spread and cause me and my partner trouble, if my ex wanted to use something against me for some reason. Plus, they have just fostered a young child and are going through adoption. My friend has just asked when I'm going to visit next to meet their new adoptive daughter and that they'd love to meet my partner at last (we've been together about 4 yrs). I'm so upset! It's times like this I just feel a massive weight, a huge complication in my life. I hate lying and hiding things from people who are important to me. But am so scared of reactions and repercussions that could hurt us and our otherwise very happy life. Sorry rant over! This is the only really safe space to just get things off your chest sometimes