Melody, I can't answer who is real, as far as these people in your life (and I really wish they weren't, or at the very least...if they're there...they should treat you the way you deserve to be treated. ) All I know, the very first time I read something you wrote you touched me. You are a beautiful writer. And yes, there are some gifted liars out there, but because I've always been a writer (started as a songwriter) I can't imagine being moved the way you have moved me if it wasn't real. I feel your heart. It's a good heart. And no. We have never had dinner together...sat across from each other eating, laughing, talking for hours, sharing our stories and secrets and all that good stuff you do with those special people who you are just drawn to...but I have learned quite a bit after my very own mind fuck. And I'm not just speaking of my horrific ex husband (pwNPD) who destroyed families. Plural. Mine. My child. I am fairly certain he put my Mother in an early grave. And then there's his own family. And they all left, just as I suspected they would. And let's not forget the next wife, who at 40 years of age is no longer with us, leaving behind two young girls who will never be the same. And about a million more. There's a lot of gifted liars on that forum that I left months ago, and no longer feel sick every morning dreading going on there because I love to write, and read, and learn. I don't necessarily regret it. But it changed me. In good ways and bad. I'm smarter now. But my love of people is just not the same. Because I believed the lies. But you don't lie. And you make me think. And feel. And I pray one day we have that dinner. Because I'd love to look right at you and say it once and for all...(and for those sittin in the cheap seats in the back...listen up..) you have a beautiful heart. And I'm never giving up on you. Partially for selfish reasons. Your writing moves me. And not a lot moves me these days. But after my lesson in bullshit from some of the 'greats' on a place I will never visit ever again, I learned some valuable lessons. Kinda how I felt when I started writing music as a little girl...if I'm feeling this pull...this good pull towards it..there's gotta be a reason. And there's a reason you continue to move me...you are a beautiful writer...with a beautiful heart. Please don't ever forget that. And if you want to smile and have a good laugh, please read my April Fools Day Story. Just scroll down on my page and you'll find it. You'll understand why I adored both of my parents, and you'll also understand why I'm crazy. Good crazy. Just like you, my friend. 💖