My entry on Munchausen’s by Internet was intended as a warning, a tie-in to my research on narcissism thanks to my experience with my mother and ex-husband. It wasn’t intended to be a personal slam against the two people used as examples. However, I know some of my readers know to whom I’m referring, and have some set opinions about the second person in particular. Where I believe everyone is entitled to have an opinion, since this is my blog, my words, my experiences I’m baring, and although I do have an open mind, I’m pretty set in my opinions regarding some issues. Protecting myself against narcissistic vampires is one. I have had trust issues that I still deal with, for example, trusting men, but I am getting a lot better overall. I find myself smiling more, making friends, and letting some of the protective walls down that were set in place to gaurd my children and I from attack.
One of the comments on that entry brought up an interesting mental debate in my head. “Becky,” who is familiar with the person I referenced second in the Munchausen’s post, mentioned that she was concerned that this person might also have a case of Munchausen’s by Proxy. Not knowing this person in real life, I have no way of knowing how much of her drama is truth, how much is fabricated, or how much is true but by her own creation. I know my ex-husband was so adept at lying he would convince himself, and eventually some of the things he believed would become true. My mental debate was what responsibility to I have, or anyone, to take action in real life for situations that would seem to need intervention. If you believe someone is getting donations for a false illness, do you have a responsibility to notify the authorities where they live? If you believe that someone you know from online is abusing their children, how much proof should you need before you bring in outside resources?
Any thoughts?
