I need to give an apology.

The hurt that I caused was done publickly, and so my apology will be public also.

For about a year now I have had a little battle going. I have instigated the battle, tried to provoke, and been very hurtful. I have tried to humiliate and tear down another person, because I was angry. The person I have hurt is Sharon. Two days ago I left another especially hurtful comment on Sharon's blog. I lashed out at her unprovoked - at least unprovoked by her. I was intending to be hurtful.

Sharon evokes very negative things in me. This is not because of anything she herself has done, but because of stuff inside of me. Up till this point I have thought that I had a right to speak my mind and to even be hurtful because it was a public forum.

I also just realized something about myself. I often think that if my opinion is right, than I have the right to be hurtful. I didn't even realized I felt and behaved this way. Until now. Over that last 24 hours, I've reflected back on how many ex-relationships I've done this with. Makes me think.

People have a right to voice their opinions, whatever they be. But people also have a right to be treated civilly (sp?). I exercised my rights, but did not respect hers.

I'm not saying that I agree with her, I don't, and I even have the right to disagree, even online, but I don't have the right to abuse. And looking back, I feel like this is what I did. The reasons for my anger were in no way caused by Sharon - by other people and things, but she was completely innocent. I attacked her, without any regard to how it would make her feel. This was wrong. And I apologize, publickly to you Sharon, right now. I will not do it again, and will not leave you any comments anymore. I hope that you will accept my apology.

Very Sincerely,
Barb