Please let me add....

Men just as well as women get abused in relationships and marriages. The difference is that it is usually the case that when it is the man being abused, the abuse is mental and/or emotional, versus actual physical abuse in the case of women.

I have been scarred twice now in previous marriages (yes, i've had more than one), but I honestly do not regret the experiences. It has made me a stronger person as a result, and I have a much better understanding on the ways of life and women from it. Please don't misunderstand that comment, what I mean is that I now realize that all things, no matter how golden they appear, sometimes have some tarnish on that silver lining. I still put everything I have into a relationship, but at least now I am not so devastated if things don't work out. Confusing, I know, but it seems to work for me - at least as far as maintaining my sanity and will to go on.

Sometimes I seem a bit stand-offish when meeting someone (even just friends), but truthfully, that is really not a bad thing. Good things do come to those who wait, so taking small steps in a relationship can be a blessing. Learn from the past and make it work in your favor. Rather than being a hindering anchor on your heart, dragging you ever so much deeper into the pit, use it as stepping stones to build the bridge that allows you to climb to the sky!

Keep your head up... life does get better, and life is what YOU make it. All people are NOT the same, so don't let one or even two bad experiences control your actions. There is always hope. You never know when you might find that pot of gold at the other end of that far distant rainbow on the horizon! I can tell you this in all honesty, if you never chase that rainbow, it's pretty well a definite that you never will find that pot either!

Good luck, and blessed be!

Ok, i'm done babbling now.... no autographs, please! :P