People who witnessed or were aware of the behaviors I endured and tried to help me but, for some reason, I are no longer allowed to maintain friendships with them. That can be an incredibly painful realization, especially if those friendships were important to you.
Dean Janes – United Kingdom – son
Angela Breeds – United Kingdom – Sister
Two others who I have managed to resurrect the friendships.
Jan Parker – France
Nichola Roberts – France
Leanne Whitely – France
Yvonne Ash – France
Carole Haigh – France
and some in France who tried to help who he does not know about.
and three others here in Spain who I will protect.
Losing connections due to someone else’s influence or control is a hallmark of manipulation and coercion. It often happens when an abuser tries to isolate their target, making them feel alone or unsupported. It can also happen when others, out of fear, discomfort, or their own self-interest, choose to distance themselves rather than acknowledge the truth.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
- Awareness vs. Action – Some of these people may have been fully aware but did nothing, while others may have been supportive behind closed doors but felt powerless to act.
- Forced Separation – If you were “not allowed” to be friends with them, that suggests a degree of control over your social life, which is deeply unfair and not something anyone should have power over.
- True Friends vs. Fair-Weather Friends – Some people stay loyal no matter what, while others drift away when things get difficult or inconvenient.
- Your Choice Now – You are in control of your life moving forward. You can choose to reconnect with those who truly cared, if it feels right, or let go of those who failed you.
- Closure & Moving Forward – It’s okay to grieve these losses, but also recognize that new, healthier relationships can replace those that were lost under toxic circumstances.
