17 Comments
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Marie A. Rebelle's avatar

I shivered reading this, remembering my own experience with a controling man. It's horrible, and a good thing both you and I got out! 💜

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May More's avatar

it is Marie - we were brave to do that too

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Marie A. Rebelle's avatar

For sure!

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Diana C.'s avatar

OMG. May. The part about you planning your escape is so tense and palpable! And then the beautiful image of you as a tree finally "smashing the greenhouse" to bloom...WOW. I'm quite speechless, to be honest. Thank you for sharing this.

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May More's avatar

TY so much for that comment - i loved the metaphor about a tree in a greenhouse and the thing was all my friends at the time agreed it was me - it’s dreadful when people try and box us in - although pretending we are free

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

Oh, May. I can't imagine what that kind of revelation must have done to your psyche. I'm so glad you found your courage and finally chose yourself. What an inspirational story. Superb storytelling as always, dear May 🤍

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May More's avatar

TY Marcia <3 - tho i dont regret that time - he was good with my kids and that matters

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Chingmay Anaïs Jo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this! I've had two similar situations and one nearly identical relationship. As usual, your storytelling and writing style are amazing. I am glad that the branches broke through the greenhouse and that you are free.

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May More's avatar

Ty Chingmay - I think we have had similar experience in life so that’s why we often relate to each other

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Ute Luppertz's avatar

What an evolution for you. So glad you made it out and spread your wings.

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May More's avatar

TY Ute - it seems a long time ago now - but its not really when u think of a life time

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Mark Armstrong's avatar

Man, what a chilling tale. Guys like that give the rest of us a bad name. Oh wait, I guess I already had a bad name... 😕💦

It's no joking matter, I know. I'm so sorry for what you went thru, May. You showed incredible courage in breaking free. No doubt in my mind you've helped someone by sharing your story. Beautifully written, and hair-raising at the same time. 👏🙏

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May More's avatar

TY Mark - thats what writing personal essays is all about for me - sharing to hopefully help others not make my mistakes or if they do, then know there is a way out

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Debdutta Pal's avatar

I love this metaphor. Sometimes we have to break things to find ourselves again.

Everyone needs to read this story.

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May More's avatar

TY Debdutta - and that so cool what u said - breaking something - yeah i had to do it for sure.

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Dianne Moritz's avatar

These controlling men are a menace to society. It's hard to believe that some men are still so insecure and troubled. This is the 21st century, after all. They should be more evolved by now.

Perhaps this should be the subject of a high school course for both boys and girls.

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May More's avatar

i so agree - relationships should be taught at school for sure

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