All I can say is: telling the truth is not nearly as hard as antipicating having to tell the truth. It is the anxiety that does us in. Consequences of actions are no match for what we do to ourselves.

There is a myth: the truth will set you free. A truth, my friend, sets nothing free but itself. It may carry stings and barbs and sharp pointed bits of its own, a truth. If you choose to tell it, make sure you’re giving it to someone that has no harm to gain from it. And if you choose to keep it to yourself, make sure you can carry it gently, without getting sliced on its dangerous edge.

Rachel: The last line makes a lot of sense and I’ve thought about it a lot, it’s hard not to beat myself up, it’s all very confusing and I had hoped writing this (and getting feedback) would help, it has in some way but I am still very torn.

Cocci: I want to carry it, for the other persons sake, but it’s hard, I’m getting “sliced” daily and I just want to help the other person heal. Again, I’m still so torn and it hurts.

Thank you both for the insight.