Well, what an eye-opener. Let me tell you about myself. I got involved with a man in prison when I was about 17 or 18. (I'm 25 now) We wrote letters back and forth. Stupid, YES. He is STILL in prison in Texas and has no hope of ever getting out. And you know what's really bad? I still don't know what he's down for. He never would tell me what he did to end up in prison, and that's when I ended the whole "relationship" thing we had going on. For me, it was a good way of being accepted. I thought that this man really did love me, and that I was "helping" him by writing to him and showing him compassion. I felt like it was a "safe" relationship because he was never getting out, so therefore he was never going anywhere. It gave me a sense of security, and it made me feel like I was loved and accepted. Someone mentioned that most of these women they saw on TV were attractive, well-educated, etc. I am an attractive, educated person. And it would not have been hard for me to find a man on the outside world. But then I had some major problems with self esteem. So, I feel that these "inmate loves" give these women a degree of satisfaction in more than one way. I certainly would never recommend someone to have any contact with inmates for the sake of love..... especially if they are looking forward to getting out. Just thought I'd share.

-Jen-