Scarleteen

Hey there Scarleteen friends!

I'm an Intern at one of the local papers in my area and was out shooting photos of a festival when I run into my ex boyfriend. I was talking with a few friends and he showed up with a big group of his friends. I glanced back at him and instead of doing the mature thing and saying hello, I went off to take more photos and said goodbye to my friend.
Our relationship included partner assault and wasn't exactly healthy. We are on good terms but I figured out a few years ago, I cannot be friends with him. Has anyone else had something like this happen? How did you handle that situation and what can I do if that happens again?
- Love all of you!
Thinkmcflythink

You know, I think you did what you do. I disagree that not engaging, at all, with someone who abused you is immature. It sounds to me like you handled this just fine, and in a way that didn't risk your safety at all, nor a way where you'd feel like you were pretending abuse didn't happen.

I also think that it wouldn't be a good idea to be friends with someone who assaulted you: someone who does that makes clear they are not safe, and the only right answer -- when we have a choice, and sometimes we don't, alas, or don't yet -- is to steer clear and stay as far away as possible.