Comment from Rick on 09 April 2009 at 1:51pm

Dear Karen,

Met you the other day after one of your friends introduced us. I didn’t know you are the Karen in the book I read last year. I want to say I never met anyone so well adjusted, friendly and caring as you. I assumed people who were abused as children grow up to be horrible, crazy, loudmouthed assholes? I can’t understand why you are nice. You should act like a bitch. Could I be wrong to think all the crabasses of the world were once abused as kids? Meeting you has changed my mind.

Rick

Dear Rick,

Thank you for your compliment! It was nice to meet you, too! I know it’s hard for most to believe that someone like me can turn out well adjusted, friendly, and caring. Being abused does not necessarily make one act crazy, crabby, or loudmouthed.

I’ve always tried my best to be nice to others in hope they would return the favor.  Each act of kindness makes us feel confident and whole. What purpose would there be to express anger, disrespect, and bitchiness?  None. We all need to be kind to each other in the best way we know how. Respecting each other is how we learn to trust each other.

I am glad you changed your mind regarding people who have once been abused. They are people, too, and just like you, trying to make their way through life. Always remember when someone has suffered past abuse their self esteem may be low. Please don’t hurt those who may need your help in order to heal.

Have a great day.

Karen