22. Opening Up To People

As long as I can remember, I’ve had issues opening up to people. With my first crush, I told my friend and she betrayed that trust by telling him. It took me a long time and only until college before I felt willing enough to even start talking about boys to friends. When I was little, opinions and arguments were considered ‘disobedience’, and I was often beaten for trying to advocate for myself or, in some cases, tell my mom’s boyfriend why I didn’t think he should be around. Even telling facts was off-limits for that segment. In 6th and … Continue reading 22. Opening Up To People

16. Richard

Let’s be honest, his name isn’t Richard. (Does anyone know a Richard anymore, anyways? I certainly don’t… Then again, I don’t get out much) I’m calling him Richard ’cause he was a dick. He used to beat my mom, break her valuables when they argued, and I was “disciplined” for things. It’s an odd sensation, being an 8 year old child and knowing you’re being abused, plain and simple. Knowing and watching your mom fear for her own safety when an argument gets out of hand. I’ve seen her and him dance around a table as he’s trying to get … Continue reading 16. Richard