Sometimes it is hard to let the guard down to Trust again when you have dealt with, or have seen/lost friends due to, con artists, control freaks, and/or energy vampires. In the beginning [they] treat you with such words and actions of praise, care, and esteem to "convince" you [they] are true. And then when [they] realize you trust [them] [they] slowly drain you of your energy and resources.

Yes, I understand! Been there done that, but, we came here to learn and to learn to put on our Armor of God and to open our hearts. IMHO I didn't say it was easy, life isn't always easy or difficult. It is a mixed up bag of emotions and experiences.