Not everyone who opens up about their pain is seeking attention.

Sometimes, they’re simply searching for understanding. For a reason to hold on.
For someone to say, I hear you. I see you. You are not alone. You may not fully understand what they’re going through. You might not be able to fix it.

But you can listen. You can remind them they matter.

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HootyTheNightOwl

That's where SW sucks at times. I know you can't help with the abuse and I don't want that - what I do want is someone to listen, to see things from my angle and to relate in some way.

I eventually stopped posting in English because only my Dutch friends seem to understand that, a lot of the time, I'm just seeking clarity that I'm not getting from my abuser.

Like yesterday, I was threatened - and I didn't even bother to post about it yet, I went straight to one of my closest friends in private and asked him what he thought about what happened to me.

mindstruggle · 31-35, F

@HootyTheNightOwl

I hear the pain and strength in what you’re saying. That's why I stop posting too. It’s frustrating when people misread your vulnerability. It also makes perfect sense that you turned to someone privately, when public spaces feel unsafe or full of misunderstanding.

I hope that friend gave you the clarity or at least the care you needed in that moment. 💙