Why is it so hard to get over people, even once it has been proven they were just making a fool out of you?

i'd say the hurt is probably more bruised ego than anything else...not to belittle your pain at all--i've been there. but as you said, you thought that YOU would be the one to end it. you're young, apparently very attractive--don't let some punk kid run you around. sounds like he decided to ditch when he discovered you weren't going to play sugar mama for him. all in all, i think you're lucky to have gotten out of this mess...no good comes from a relationship with such financial inequality. he's a draft dodger, a cheater (ditching you to go on a date with someone else...oh rly??), obviously he is unstable--walk away. it hurts, especially when, as an attractive, together woman you're used to being the one pulling the strings--having the tables turned on you. but i wouldn't take it personally. i bet as i type this some poor girl is writing a check for half of her savings out to this con--just be glad it isn't you!