Cynics are dupes who are easily utilized by the forces which deliberately made them cynical. The foundation of conservative politics.

Going to the gym is way easier than the infinite treadmill of trying to fix relationship which was never going to work. Having a stronger body helps to deal with the physical symptoms of trauma too. It can build confidence because working hard in the gym yields rewards but working too hard backfires. You have to listen to your own body and your own feelings rather than have them dictated to you by a toxic partner, or it won’t work.