BootsieBabe:

So many of the things people went through here are so much like things I've seen or heard of that AFAIC the labels really don't matter. I just realize that some people may still be wary of me because I'm from something else besides the UPC or the AoG, and I'm OK with that because I was the same way at the beginning of my own escape.

I try to be respectful and careful about my status as an outsider of sorts; but in reality I just want to be the mother hen type, hug whoever needs one, offer a shoulder to cry on, and otherwise let people know they're not alone.

DeerF: I still have to go into my mother's church on occasion, even though I know it's bad news, in order to keep peace with Mom. She doesn't remember how tough it was for me, and she's getting older, so I deal for her sake. We all have our reasons for putting up with things we know are :bs . You're not an idiot. You probably did what you felt like you had to do at the time, you may not have known your options or felt like you could take advantage of them, and that's OK. :hug2