How do I end up emotionally attached to such questionable people? I wish I had a better answer by this point in my life.

“Heart.” Uh, right. Actually, I guess that’s my answer right there.
I have to give J. credit for it being more than mere chemistry, except I cynically suspect it all comes down to chemistry of a more literal sort. I definitely made certain choices that got me into this chemical mess. And I’m really too old to be making those mistakes again and again.
But if I could fix this with pure rationality, I wouldn’t feel even ten percent of the way I feel right now, and I wouldn’t be even slightly tempted by the thought of more of the same when I get back from Europe.
Please, for fuck’s sake, let these two months be the emotional reset I need. It really shouldn’t be that hard. This is no M. situation.