Miki wrote:
First of all, when one wishes to point out something, don't write a fucking novel.
I know how to spot an abuser, and I simply blocked those fucks.
I do not generally meet people I find "online" because any one of them could be a saint.. or Jack the Ripper.
There is a lot to be said for the Brick-And-Mortar world and perhaps we should all consider the overall value of the Digital World, weigh the differences, and come to an obvious conclusion:
"If I cannot touch it, it's not really real 'til I can"
I do agree with Taramafor​ to a degree. Online people are still people. And whereas, you're thoughts can be right too Miki- They could be a Saint, or Jack-The-Ripper.
I will not delve into my reasons, beliefs, or inclinations for why I'm dating online, since that's my business and I don't feel it adds to this particular forum topic.
In defense of victims (Because I had a similar mindset of: "A victim is a victim because they LET themselves be." - then I realized I too was a victim.) A victim will not always see or notice what's going on. When they do - It can be really hard to pull away from their abuser.
Remember, an abuser will berate or work down someone's confidence in themselves. To where that person TRULY believes they won't find anything better. There's nothing else out there for them.
I hate to pull that card - but until you've been a victim, you won't fully comprehend that mentality. I hope you never do come to that.
The other thing I wanted to point out - whereas I'm glad some of you (Not just pointing this out to Miki. But this is a broad statement for everyone/anyone who read and went "Pffft. I can spot assholes like that a mile away.") are keen and aware enough to notice an abuser right off the bat. Some abusers will flash their true colors early- which can deter others. What's scary is that some abusers are
REALLY GOOD at what they do. They lure victims in by being super charismatic, and charming. The relationship starts off fantastic! Or, they know precisely how to play on someone's flaws or insecurities to suck them in deeper. Hence why I related such to "Digging their hooks" in. Because it is like getting a hook caught in you.
It's work to get it back out.
These things don't just online but in person too. In my situation, even my closest of friends said "Man, your ex really knew how to put on the 'nice guy' act..." and he did. He was splendid at it. He pulled the wool over many people's eyes, and it wouldn't surprise me if he still does.
((Hence why I personally cut him off completely. That was how I escaped him.))
Some victims start questioning "Is this right? I feel awful, why am I not happy anymore?" And that was, again, the reason why I made my blog post into a forum thread. Is because some folks might start questioning where the happiness in their relationshit went.
Sometimes having this listed out, someone can go "Oh! Those points are EXACTLY what my relationship is..." and thus, sets off a lightbulb.