I feel the need to step in here as the moderator of this board and as friends with y'all!
I can see both sides of the story here.
I can't say I've been stabbed...but I've been sexually and other kinds of abused. And I have had friends say things similiar to what Tina said to Shell.
That being said...I see both sides! Tina has learned a lot in her life and she wanted to share her growth with a friend in the hopes that it might help her out. Shell is hurt because she is SO NOT what Tina was suggesting she might be.
The bottom line is: Shell is lucky to have a friend who cares enough about her to share her experience even though she was scared it might hurt her friend in the CHANCE that it would help her in some way.
On the other hand: It can be very hurtful to learn that soemone thinks you are fragile and not independent. Especially someone you care about.
I just hope that everyone learns something from this:
We cannot judge another until we are in their shoes! But sometimes...we need to say something to someone we love JUST IN CASE it might help them out.
You are all VERY SPECIAL good people. Thank you for being on these boards!
PLEASE forgive me for sharing my opinion on this...it hurts me to see people hurting! *hugs* I needed to do so on the CHANCE that it might put things in a brighter perspective. If it didn't, please disregard my message!