Lessons Learned: Would You or Would You Not.....

[Ciaran]

Clearly it is different where there's a potential physical safety issue (emotional abuse is something of a greyer area, in my opinion, as the label of "emotionally abusive" is one that too many people can attach to ex-partners for a whole host of reasons, some of which may not reflect actual emotional abuse), but, otherwise, I find that many people are all too willing and enthusiastic to interfere under the pretence of trying to be helpful or supportive, when it's nothing of the case.


Also, I'd like to think that if someone asked an opinion on someone else from that person's ex-partner that they would have the common sense to treat these views with an appropriate level of caution given that, as an ex-partner, their viewpoint will potentially be rather biased and slanted.

[Ben]

hahahahaha I'm so out of the loop.. I didn't know what "quoin" meant ...*still chuckling*

[softheart]

I for one. don't feel it's gossip, if you tell what you know about someone as long as it's a fact. For example , I might say, oh I know she was looking to change jobs recently, because she asked if my company was hiring. And she dated so and so for about 3 years and has been single for awhile.
Now if it's a real close friend I would tell them what I know and also what I have heard. Stressing that I have heard other people say this and I don't know how true it is, but keep it in the back of your mind.
If someone asks , and you know something about this person and it's not good, I think you would be doing an injustice to them not to say so.
I would want to know the truth. Who wants to invest their time and energy, and yes heart, only to be crushed by a cheater, a player or worse.
Then while dealing with the pain and heartache, a friend tells you , I couldn't believe you were dating them anyway, as much as they have cheated and lied in the past, I thought everybody knew blah blah blah.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Ciaran

Also, I'd like to think that if someone asked an opinion on someone else from that person's ex-partner that they would have the common sense to treat these views with an appropriate level of caution given that, as an ex-partner, their viewpoint will potentially be rather biased and slanted.

I think this is an important distinction. I would never ask an ex-partner for a perspective...too many other things can be at play.

Also...it's perfectly possible for two good people to bring out the worst in each other. Any feedback from that ex-partner is going to be tainted by that experience.

So....I would also never give an opinion about an ex-partner of mine either. Someone who brought out the worst in me may bring out the best in someone else....and should be given that chance without interference.

If I'm asking for input, it's going to be from someone who has known that person, in real life, for an extended period of time....someone whose judgment I trust....and someone who has not been romantically involved with them.