What a unique looking lil guy, wow! I am terrified of spiders except for the jumpers (fat stubby legs so cute), and apparently this guy! It looks so different from any spider I’ve seen before. Very neat.

Totally depends on the scenario, I use all 3. If we’re talking about music, hobbies, personal interest type stuff, it’s usually C, without the “tell them you already know”. I try to show that I know instead of telling. Like if someone’s telling me about a band I already know about, I’ll let them finish and then say something that requires deep understanding of the source. If the discussion is academic, B, but like in a respectful way? Not ‘cutting off’ the other person, more so ‘jumping in’. And that’s so we can both establish what we both know and move on to the more interesting stuff. A is used for authority figures that I have no respect for. I have nothing to say to marching orders.

I have been a pretty social person in a previous part of my life, getting to know hundreds of people on a relatively deep level, due to the circumstances I was in. Most people do not look at the world like your family does. The majority of men I know do have more outward aggression than I do, but they channel it through healthy outlets (sports and exercise). That being said, I myself also have a hard time feeling safe around men (even though I am one myself), mainly when I don’t know them. This is primarily because of my size (short and not bulky) but also my sense of empathy, which I feel leaves me vulnerable to those lacking it.

I don’t know if you are, but you should be proud of yourself for turning out like you did. The fact that their behavior is so horrific to you shows your moral standard hasn’t been tarnished or corrupted. If anything I would imagine it’s been solidified. Your childhood was absolutely, royally fucked. I’ve heard many stories of childhood abuse; the worst ones, most heartbreaking ones, etc. I would say your experiences are in that same boat. To guesstimate, I think yours is probably in the worst 5% or rarer.

Not to be too bleak but I think staying is just as much of a risk to your safety as leaving. Who knows when one of them might snap and try to kill you? That’s an absolutely hellish environment to try to survive in.

Listen, I don’t know you but I love you. I love you for holding steadfast resolve through pitch-black suffocating darkness. I love you for your light refusing to be snuffed out. The piece of yourself that you’ve displayed here is beautiful and it deserves the best. If there were more people like you around, the world at large would be happier.

I don’t pray but I will be meditating today and sending positive intent your way. If you need someone to talk to, this is me making myself available. I don’t have much going on but too much extra time. Don’t feel obligated to that, or to even reply. I just hope this helps, and that you succeed on your hike out of hell. I have faith in you.