So it seems to me — even if to no one else — that some of the good folks who have loved me in my years wanted me to be true to myself, and did what they reasonably could to validate, encourage, and affirm me in that way.
And some who loved me did not express their love in that way.
Oddly perhaps, both kinds of lovers could feel deeply their love for me. Seems to me the depth of someone’s love has little to do with its nature and kind.
Have you also noticed how dangerously charming abusers bait their fatal hooks with the very same beautiful things as true lovers? How many of us fall for being validated, encouraged, and affirmed!
Men and women both fall for it, but I think women the most often. Sometimes an abuser is the first person in their lives to come across as appreciating their kindness, their intelligence, their wisdom, their dreams for themselves — even sometimes their looks.
Boys usually have had an honest admirer or two before they start dating. But not so often girls. And abusers bait their hooks.
My advice (were you fool enough to ask)? Girls! Women! Make those boys and men court you! Rise up for yourselves and make them work their butts off for you! Hold out until you honestly trust the guys! Yeah, things will still go wrong now and then — but a whole lot less often.
And boys and men! Hold out yourselves until you honestly trust her! Do it like your lives depended on it. Because, you know, in a way — they do.
Great advice. I trust easily but that’s the only way I know how to be. I tell too much of myself, most stuff no one wants to hear.
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Thank you for the compliment, Stella. Sorry to hear you trust too much.
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Thinking too much can be dangerous for the mind Paul, has been known to bring on a stroke or two !! Whoops, aside from the pun, I think your words bears fruit for thought, and I’ve a tendency to agree with you……….
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Thank you for the encouragement, Ivor!
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