Summer, Thanks so much for clarifying the statement and your intentions. I may come across as strong and capable to people. However, often times I have also felt less strong and taken advantage of, like in the tradesman ordeal. Sometimes maybe the "strength" comes from my determination to avoid being taken advantage of, if you know what I mean.
My H thinks I am strong (and probably thinks I am too strong). I think I might come across that way in trying to protect myself from being "bullied", when I think I am in danger of that.
I do think that these 2 incidents, like any thing in life, happen for a reason and to teach me something.
Thanks for being angry at my neighbor for me. It's such a shame that he had to spoil things for everyone. It'll take quite something for me to feel safe again. I think he senses I am upset but doesn't feel comfortable bringing it up.
From time to time over the years, he tries to make it light by "almost demanding that I smile". Recently, to one of these times, I responded with "I don't feel like smiling". Then he said "Aren't you happy to see me?" Well, I said "No". I bet that surprised him...
