Reviews from

Her Happiness Mask

Some masks are so real we don't even know they're being worn

19 total reviews 
Comment from Light Magic
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Food for thought. I have questions. This is well written and I'm left feeling somewhat emotional in pondering the courage of the lady who wears the mask, and if she will rediscover her worthiness and self-esteem with her perhaps more considerate, loving, future partner.

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 26-Jun-2021
    Some victims of domestic abuse recover and regain their strength while others do not. As for this specific woman, it is yet to be seen. Thank you for your great review and for putting so much thought into my story. It is appreciated. Hugs and blessings to you.
reply by Light Magic on 27-Jun-2021
    And you Leann. :)
Comment from Dilettante junior
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Dear Leann,

I really like your unique take on the intro. Though many took it only literally, you have managed to bring a deeper meaning using an invisible mask often worn to hide one's true self. In fact multiple masks are worn on different occasions, often to please others. The appearance is described in a spectacular way in the narrative. The wedding day twist was superb.

Well done,
Cheers,
DJ

 Comment Written 23-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 23-Jun-2021
    Thank you so much, DJ, for your supportive and encouraging comments. I appreciate it. Hugs.
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2021
    Thank you so much, DJ, for your supportive and encouraging comments. I appreciate it. Hugs.
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The thing I like about this account is how it is left open for the readers' projection. I guess it has to do with our lense. My lense always takes me to the idea of victims of abuse. They believe, "If I marry them, they'll treat me better." If if have a child, they'll be more loving" If we have a second child, it will get better" AND it never does. This is a good topic.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 22-Jun-2021
    My oldest child is in a very emotionally and verbally abusive relationship. She always I defends him and makes excuses and forgives him. I just pray that someday she will say that she is deserving of much more than he will ever be able to give her. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
reply by Liz O'Neill on 22-Jun-2021
    Thank you for sharing this with me. I'm sorry you have this going on. Parents need to treat this knowing their child is in an abusive relationship like they are an addict or alcoholic. There's that terrible feeling of powerlessness, knowing that you can do nothing about it. It's like an addiction. The sleepless nights of worry.
    I'll send you my website link. Maybe
    she'd be open to some of it. I will send healing on all levels for all involved.

    https://www.angelfire.com/vt/rcwn/
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This story, Her Happiness Mask, includes the required opening line and ends with the shocker that I didn't anticipate. This is classic for spousal abuse and should be sent to a battered spouse's shelter for quick recognition and discussion.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2021
    Thank you for your supportive and encouraging comments! Maybe I will just send this to a few friends and family members who I know of who are going through similar situations. I appreciate your review. Have a great week!
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2021
    Thank you for your supportive and encouraging comments! Maybe I will just send this to a few friends and family members who I know of who are going through similar situations. I appreciate your review. Have a great week!
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Her Happiness Mask
by Leann DS

I think a lot of people wear masks. It's a protection mechanism.

I married a man that abused me verbally every day until I divorced him.

Great entry for the This Sentence Starts The Story contest.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2021
    Yes, most people do wear masks, even changing them many times a day depending upon who they are with. I think it is a natural thing to do. I'm sorry that you went through such a horrible situation, but I'm very glad that you were able to end it. Thanks again for your comments and review. Hugs and blessings.
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2021
    Yes, most people do wear masks, even changing them many times a day depending upon who they are with. I think it is a natural thing to do. I'm sorry that you went through such a horrible situation, but I'm very glad that you were able to end it. Thanks again for your comments and review. Hugs and blessings.
Comment from Judy Lawless
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, this is powerful, Leann! You've chosen a very different kind of mask for this contest challenge, and you've created a story that says so much, about verbal abuse, self-esteem, self-image, and then she marries her abuser? Didn't see that coming. Excellent writing. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2021
    Thank you so much, Judy. I am humbly appreciative of your kind words and the six stars. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful week.
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2021
    Thank you so much, Judy. I am humbly appreciative of your kind words and the six stars. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful week.
Comment from Seshadri_Sreenivasan
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

In a marriage gone sour, the abuser may be an emotionally needy person. One of the basic human rights he takes away from you is the right to be angry with him. No matter how badly he treats you, he believes that your voice shouldn't rise and your blood shouldn't boil. This is a sad story so well written. Creates a district image of the suffering person in the mind. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2021
    Yes. That is very true. Thank you so much for your comments and review. You are appreciated. Hugs and blessings.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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This is domestic abuse at its worst and we never know what happens behind closed doors and this bride is obviously making a hug mistake she will regret, if a man treats a woman like this even before marriage then the situation will only worsen, a poignant write Leann, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2021
    Thank you, Dolly, and I agree with what you have said. Sadly, emotional and verbal abuse put the victim in a place where they have lost the ability to see clearly or fight. Thanks again. Hugs.
Comment from karenina
Excellent
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Yowzer. Talk about powerful! So !such to unpack here! Our need for acceptance, the way we hide our pain, cover for abusers, the feeling we never measure up...

Shakespeare said "All the world's a stage..." The dirty little secret is 99% of us are wearing a "mask" for a myriad of reasons...

The ending! Shocker!

Hope this does well on the contest!

Karenina

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2021
    Thank you. I have witnessed this scenario at different levels so many times. It's heartbreaking. I appreciate your comments and review. Hugs.
reply by karenina on 20-Jun-2021
    Thanks for the hugs! Back at ya!

    Karenina
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh my dear Leann... how does this sad yet powerful story come from some one so kind. My heart was breaking as I read the insults and relived a few as well. I wanted her to run as fast as she could away from the painful situation and then...bang... she was walking down the aisle to marry him...This is a sure winner! What a twist and a surprise.

Smiles and hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2021
    Thank you so much, Carol, for your supportive comments and review. You are appreciated. Hugs to you, and blessings always.