It all started with a text message. Actually one from a girlfriend, and one from an acquaintance. My girlfriend reached out because she was feeling vulnerable, and I did the thing called "holding space" for her while she went through something difficult. Holding space is like saying a prayer for someone while picturing them safe and sound.

The texts from the acquaintance started off just fine until little by little I got to see what this person was all about. Let's just say that I kept adding to the bouquet of red flags until I decided that it was not in my best interest to continue the conversation. I began to really feel uncomfortable, and then there was a deal-breaker. Something that crossed the line of human decency. So I shut it down and stayed safe. I really wish this person well and I hope they get the help they need - just not from me.

I'm grateful for having trusted friends that reach out when they feel vulnerable. I have been there and I felt very alone. One of the last...