I grew up hearing similar things. Maybe not ugly, but ... fat, lying, cheating, psychotic, the list went on.

And on.

It's only now (when I"m 30) that I'm just starting to believe that I'm better than that. I'm feeling like these things were said for selfish reasons, but not because they were true. People do amazingly cold hearted things to make themselves feel like they are in control of other people. I strongly believe the only reason I'm able to fight these feelings now is because of the safe and caring environment that I've made for myself -- which includes my husband. Out of all life decisions I've ever made, at least there is one that I know was the right one.

Sometimes it's getting out of the toxic environment that will make all of the difference. Even a stone can break -- I know there are pieces of me I'll never get back, so all I can do is heal what's left and start building again.