[Mrs. Don-o]

What you're saying is so true. I myself was sexually exploited a number of times when I was young (not real young, but late teens-early 20's) and it a sobering to think how long it has taken to "process" these experiences and even to grasp what happened.

It is a major blessing that most of the people in my life have been decent, kind, even remarkably good to me; were it not so, I don't know how I would have "gotten over" the bad ones.

[caww]

You wouldn't have gotten over these...no doubt about it.....in fact you would have likely withdrawn from many opportunities for loving relationships. You see God loves to use people to comfort and heal....abused people were comforted in the wrong way so trust generally is a huge issue....and if they dare to allow someone to get close it is a struggle and requires much time.

Allot of street people have been abused in many ways...they get to the point where the street is the only place they believe is safe because they at least know what to expect... the street becomes their dysfunctional family where love and hate strangely find a balance for them even though it is abnormal for us......so you see how abuse can affect the thinking process and how we perceive situations....as well you know.

I have often told people to listen to their bodies....the mind and heart can deceive us but the body never lies...it knows.