TeeGee

I used to live in the Washington, DC area. It is called "The Crime Capital of the USA" and for good reason - it is a very dangerous place once you get away from all of the monuments and landmarks. I always carried pepper spray with me when I lived in Virginia. But if I had it on me when I went into DC? I could be arrested! All forms of pepper spray and self-defense sprays are banned in Washington, DC. I suppose that makes the criminals feel safe!

I was also beaten with a belt and then forced to take a shower. The water coming from the shower head felt like a million needles hitting my skin because of the large red welts from the belt beating that I experienced. I never realized it until recently, but I prefer to take baths over showers. I think the trauma from standing under the shower after my severe beating has made me adverse to showers in general.

Welcome to the site. As Kmkz said, have a good look around. You will probably find others that have had similar life experiences and be able to learn and heal from their feedback in these forums. As for me? I have been away from this place for more than a year. I guess as the days get shorter and the nights get longer, I start to feel the need to better understand myself and heal whatever pain I might have lingering from my younger daze.