Hi Orisirisi,

Thank you for your sweet sweet response. I’m so glad you found some validation here. I learned much of this because a dear friend of mine recommended a “class by CD” called Women in Relationships.

I would recommend this to anyone (male or female) looking to understand how to better identify the differences between safe and unsafe people. And how to communicate from a position of self-empowerment with each type.

Golden rule: anytime someone is talking to you in a tone that isn’t assertive — either aggressive or passive aggressive — they are trying to manipulate you. Manipulation needs participation from you to work. Don’t give the manipulator permission.

That’s why I was so excited for you. I’m so excited that you recognized what was happening to you and you DID NOT GIVE THEM PERMISSION. You have your “power turned on,” as Patricia Sartini would say.

I wish you all the best that life has to offer. You are smart, kind, introspective and beautiful. We all stand to benefit from seeing such a clear example of a powerhouse like you.

I will think about writing more about this — originating a discussion around it as you suggested. I will probably tag you in it, if you don’t mind.

Oh, and one more thing — Ray Delizo, could we please add Orisirisi. To our “proposed writers list?” I think Medium would benefit a great deal having a voice like hers distributed to a wide audience.

❤️❤️😄