Laura, Trolls are gonna be trolls. You could write about your story from the perspective of your younger self was quick to judge, but now you see how some of the cultural debris was clouding your eyes. No one expects anyone to be perfect in a personal essay. And I think that is what gives personal essays their vigor - you see someone’s journey…with their ugly stumbles.

But I also get not wanting to share personal stories. I scare judgmental men away all the time with mine so it can be especially tough if you are single. Everyone googles. And there is nothing endearing about shoving your flaws and secrets in a stranger’s face…from the start. Oversharing can be a huge turnoff.

“Olga” and “Marko” were introduced from a friend of a friend and that’s all I can say. I am planning to interview another Ukrainian woman who has more horrific tale to tells so anonymity is important.