But why would you want someone in your life who says horrible things they don’t mean? And not just to you, but to the other people you love? I’m all for being supportive but there comes a point where a person’s actions, no matter where those actions stem from, are just unacceptable. Mental illness isn’t an excuse to…

I disagree. Sometimes, you don’t realize how toxic a person was for you until you get some time and distance. 25 years ago, one of my best friends and I had a massive falling out. She cut contact with me - because SHE had done something awful and then she got upset that I dared to be angry about the thing she did.

Seriously, it’s such BS. I’m all for positive thinking and visualizing good things in your life, but they lost me when they said that the people who were killed during the Holocaust didn’t REALLY in their heart of hearts want to survive. Victim blaming much?

My ‘spiritual’ friend dumped me when I got chronically ill. Because it says so in The Secret, you shouldn’t consort with sick people because it will attract more sickness. Some spiritual people are sick in the head. Namaste cuntface!

came here to say just that... if someone is scared... and wants to stop... and the other person doesn’t stop... that’s rape. It’s even RAPE rape.

“ Things just went too far and someone got scared”

I believe Malala Yusafsai was entirely correct when she told Obama that investing in education for girls would have been far more of an efficient method of combating terrorism than the drone program, or the support of rival fighter groups. Preventative or restorative investments in civil society and infrastructure are…

same here. Living in my own place finally for the past two weeks. It's a miracle.

I am glad for this story, and others like them, and I hope they are published far and wide. As hard as the stories are to tell, and as uncomfortable as it may feel to read them, I think it should be mandatory for young people.

where in the text of any personal essay does a reader ever read I AM A PERFECT PERSON; MY LIFE STORY IS UNEQUIVOCALLY THE RIGHT THING FOR EVERYONE ELSE TO DO

I've been praying non-stop for a sign from God if I myself am making a good choice on leaving my abusive boyfriend, at this very moment I'm packing my things hoping for a safe get away while he is at work, I am more scared then I've ever been, scared because I know he will come after me but also scared because I feel…

Sometimes it's not clear just how bad your relationship is until you experience something more normal. That can be a huge wake up call.

I, personally, don't care what prompted her to leave. We could debate that all day. However, for others in similar situations, WHATEVER reason they need to go, I encourage that. Everyone has their own limit. And I don't think it's more of she needed a "backup" to leave. When you're in that situation and rationalize…

I am so happy that you got out of this relationship. Thank you for sharing your story, I wish you nothing but happiness in your future.

On the contrary. They do change; but its always for the worse

Similar story. Different man. Recent break up and the only reason he didn't trash the apt is I broke up with him in public and literally ran to my car, leaving him stranded in another city at least 30 mins away from our apt. Police were called and as my name alone was on the lease, he had to go. I had enough time to…