In the interview, Diane Sawyer asks, “How could this happen to someone so strong?… People said, [Rihanna] always seemed like the least likely person to be in this situation.” It seems like a reasonable question, but in reality, anyone can fall in love, and it doesn’t matter how strong or independent you are. “So far in love and so unconditional,” as Rihanna says. Love is blind.

During the incident, Rihanna refers to Chris as being “blacked out,” and says that there was no person in him. It’s scary to look in the eyes of a person you love, and not see them there, to see nothing. Rihanna’s right, she didn’t cause what happened to her, and too often, victims of domestic violence turn the blame on themselves. There are a lot of women who have experienced what she did, just not in the public eye, and it’s unfortunate and sad that Rihanna’s personal life had to serve as an example for other girls. I commend her for coming forward and talking about it. She took a huge step in leaving, one that many girls in her position will never see through.

I admire her for getting out and not making excuses. She can admit that she still loves and cares for Chris, and can still even wish the best for him. At the same time, however, she recognizes that their love was unhealthy. Like she says, to be able to get out of the situation and look at it with a clear mind, that is what makes the difference. On the other hand, Rihanna says she does think it’s possible for people to change. This is something that I struggle with. Because I think that sometimes people are so incapable of seeing themselves clearly, it is nearly impossible for them to even begin the process of change. With that being said, she’s a strong girl, and this has only made her stronger.

“I think we all wish we could erase some dark times in our lives. But all of life’s experiences, bad and good, make you who you are. Erasing any of life’s experiences would be a great mistake.”
- Luis Miguel

“The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.”
- Thomas S. Szasz

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