WoodThrush2,
As previously mentioned, what you consider avoidance or running away from confrontation, I consider the healthier route. I have tried to converse with you in good faith, but I think we've reached the point where we're going in circles.
Logically, why would I continue trying to explain my situation when an interpretation has already been made and continues to be applied regardless of what I say?
You may see what I've said as "virtue signaling," while I see it as simply describing the result of our previous interactions. I specifically told you that I have difficulty with your religious prescriptions, and I've tried to be thoughtful in my conversations with you because of that. When I told you I was triggered and needed to step away so that I didn't miss the value in what you were saying, you used that response to reinforce the position you already held. That's a large part of why I don't see value in continuing a discussion when the information I'm providing isn't meaningfully changing the interpretation.
My spouse has also frequently recommended that I not engage with you, that you're a "stranger on the internet who knows very little about my situation," and that continuing the discussion isn't constructive. I have continued because I think there is wisdom to be learned from you, as there is from all of you. I just don't currently find the perspective you're offering applicable to where I am.
And truthfully, I do choose to believe you have good intentions. I think you genuinely believe you're being helpful and offering guidance based on what you believe you see.
Thank you for your time.
[This message edited by NotMyIdentity at 2:20 AM, Sunday, September 13th]