Off My Chest
RULES:
I am looking for mods!
1. The "good" part of our community means we are pro-empathy and anti-harassment. However, we don't intend to make this a "safe space" where everyone has to be a saint. Sh*t happens, and life is messy. That's why we get things off our chests.
2. Bigotry is not allowed. That includes racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and religiophobia. (If you want to vent about religion, that's fine; but religion is not inherently evil.)
3. Frustrated, venting, or angry posts are still welcome.
4. Posts and comments that bait, threaten, or incite harassment are not allowed.
5. If anyone offers mental, medical, or professional advice here, please remember to take it with a grain of salt. Seek out real professionals if needed.
6. Please put NSFW behind NSFW tags.
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Not enough context to say. And really, my opinion one way or another is (and should be) worthless. If you feel used, your perception here is necessarily valid regardless of how grounded in reality.
The key here is to examine your own interpersonal template and remedy whatever it is that results in these relationship dynamics in which you keep finding yourself. If you weren't actually in an exploitative relationship, it's up to you to address the thought patterns that led you to believe that. If the relationship was exploitative, then it's up to you to address your traumas and lack of boundaries that precipitate these relationships.
I'll close with: all relationships are transactional in one way or another. The exchange might not always be immediately apparent, yet can be utterly benign and mutually beneficial. Just because someone wants something from you doesn't mean it's nefarious. You need to define your boundaries and needs, then be explicit about that with potential partners.
Thank you!!!