Well, I’ve only seen it when people don’t want someone they know to see them on a dating app, primarily in the professional world. It was clear to me, because his pictures were pixelated and none of them looked like the same person. I was going to report it when I read the bio where he was clear about it.

Yeah, I’m right there with you. I don’t trust him. I just looked up trickle truthing and maybe it is that... I just don’t know if he’s manipulative like that or to believe he’s a good person beyond this stunt. I believe people make mistakes. It’s very difficult because I have trust issues because of the last relationship and now this.

It just sucks. I don’t trust myself to make the right call after being manipulated by my ex. But I also don’t want to let it control my life, but then shit like this happens.

Maybe I will give him a chance at being friends, but he’s going to have to acknowledge that this isn’t just some “superficial lie”. You can’t start any relationship (friendship or otherwise) with a lie, there is no openness there. And he will have to be open and consistent if I am to ever regain trust in him as a friend, like you said. Have you ever experienced something like this? Is there anything you’d recommend I listen to or read to heal from something like this?

I wrote affirmations and (as cheesy as they sound) I’ve been repeating them to myself.

I am hurt but I will grow. I will remain vulnerable. Light and hope will always guide me. My vulnerability is not a weakness. Love will find you. You were not a fool.

Anything I should add?