Anita: You made two excellent points that I’ll remember: “1) I would say: first eliminate interactions with men who see you as a sexual object, a conquest to be won and abandoned when done. 2) …learn to detect what is a Selling Statement and what is an authentic statement.”

Aiyana: Thank you, my take-a-away is to remember to always love myself before another before.

Vesper: I truly appreciate you sharing your story. It gives me hope that even after multiple “failed” attempts at dating, maybe…just maybe…there’s someone out there who wants to be with me just as much as I want to be with them. Good luck to you!

Silviainny: I’m sorry to hear you’ve experienced similar interactions with men who you thought you could trust. It’s discouraging… but I guess all we can do is try to learn from our experiences and grow in a positive way from them without becoming bitter (maybe I’m a little bitter and reserved right now, but I’m trying to overcome it).

Penguin: Thanks for responding with your story. I actually had a similar situation with my dad. He was always someone I greatly looked up to and he cheated on my step-mom. I know we’re all human and we make mistakes. I hope I find a companion who will eventually love and accept me and be genuinely intersted in me as a person (and not just sex and then leaving).