I have to agree with Lollee--a lot of people just can't take it, for whatever reason. A lot of people look at the nitties and the gritties and just run screaming in the opposite direction.

And then take that aspect of themselves, and the shame they feel at being too "weak" to cope with it, and blame it on you.

And you know, I get it when you say that it just is what it is, and was what it was. I know that, at this point, in my own mind and in my own heart, it isn't moaning anymore--for the most part, I've wrapped my head around the idea that things unfolded as they did and that's what's supposed to have happened, to turn me into me. So no, it isn't a heart-rending confessional at this point. At least, it isn't supposed to be.

But things happened--LOTS of things happened. And I talk about it.

So sue me.

Are we supposed to talk like all of life has been a skip down the flowery path? What a load that would be...

What a lie that would be.

And you know what's REALLY funny?

I'll bet that the same people who make such remarks really see the extraordinary person that you are and don't make the connection that your past is part of how you got that way.