After some particularly upsetting experiences, there are certain subjects I simply cannot discuss here again. The last straw was when someone I considered a friend harassed me, told me that I deserved every bit of abuse I experienced, said he hoped my vagina "hurts and bleeds" and even recounted specific anecdotes I had shared with him in confidence about my life, and used them to intentionally upset me. He even admitted this, stating that he deliberately triggered me because it's what I deserved. It's not the only negative experience I have had on here, but it's among the most painful.
Retrospectively, I was not cautious enough. I have never felt safe anywhere, never been able to talk about my past traumas or my health issues and be met with acceptance and support. I was blinded by how starved I was of connection. I was so desperate that I clung onto the fleeting comfort that acknowledgement and support from sharing here provided. Of course, there are plenty of things I didn't share that I will never divulge to anyone, but I posted some things I had never told a soul before.
In any setting and situation, confiding in others - especially people we do not know - comes with risks. I hoped that this site would be an exception, but that was admittedly naïve on my part. Some things are just better kept to myself, and that's okay.
Having said this, there are some truly lovely, genuine people here, who I am grateful to have met, even if I wish it could be under better circumstances for all of us.