Quote Originally Posted by Flaming_Redhead View Post
Violence can take many forms, some of which don't even seem to be hurtful at the time. Talking about it with a therapist, counselor or friend can help to relieve the heavy burden imposed by carrying deep, dark secrets. When it's no longer a secret you keep hidden even from yourself, only then can you really begin to face the truth and stop being a victim. It's easy to continue being a victim. It's much harder to to take a good, long look at yourself, realize the part you played in it, stop placing all the blame on yourself and/or others, learn from your mistakes, and move on. Believe me, it's easier said than done, especially when those around you keep hurting you unwittingly or on purpose. When you are finally able to recognize when someone is a negative influence, remove them from your life whether they be family or friends. You may find your group of friends to be pitifully small, but never confuse quantity with quality.
Hey Flaming_Redhead,
You are quite right, I believe, in recognizing what's wrong, with yourself, and with others and then trying to move past it. It's very brave of you to come and tell us about your past, and to show us that to you it is starting to be just that... past.

Oh yeah, and the friend you lost because they borrowed money that they didn't pay back? I'm sorry you've had that experience, but I hope you don't mind my saying that's probably the best money you will ever have spent, just to be sure that they aren't around anymore.

Good luck, and blessings.