grief never goes away. the loss of someone’s presence simply becomes easier to accept with time. just because you accept this loss, it doesn’t mean it hurts less. things will remind you of them - it’s okay to cry or feel sad no matter how long it’s been.
Wait until you discover that just because they can intellectualize their emotions & verbalize their toxic behavioral pattern back to you & sound intelligent while doing so — doesn’t mean they have any intention of putting forth the effort to make sure they stop hurting people.