I received some rude messages this weekend. It’s been weighing on my mind and I need to get it off my chest.
Sweater: c/o Banana Republic zebra print sweater (size XXSP) | Skirt: c/o Banana Republic paperbag waist skirt (size 00P) | Shoes: c/o Banana Republic (similar HERE)
I’ve been very transparent (or as much as I possibly can be and also protect Milan) about my personal life this year. That was MY choice and I am 100% comfortable with the choice I made. I knew it would come with judgement and a lot of negativity. I contemplated back and forth about going public with my new relationship. We, as a couple decided that I was going to ahead and make him public. Of course, I am not naive to how insane the internet can be and I knew by doing so, it would open the flood gates to all the trolls hiding behind their computers.
The amount of positive support that I received about my new relationship was overwhelming and heartwarming. I appreciate each and every one of you that showed your love and support. There were a few haters but that just comes with the territory and I expected it. However this past weekend, the messages and comments I received really upset me.
This same person has messaged me many times in the past with borderline hateful comments and I let them slide. This time, they are crossed the line and I will not stand for it. When your comments or messages are derogatory or hurtful, that is where I draw the line. When you question my integrity or the decisions I make as a mother, you will be blocked.
I’m sure there are a million assumptions as to why I moved, where I moved to etc. It’s funny that the custom home I was building last year is in the same area as the house I recently bought so make whatever assumptions you want. It’s none of anyone’s business why or where I moved. Who cares?!
Some say I moved on too quickly. Some say I’m naive. Some say I’m an idiot for opening up my heart. Some say I’m going to get hurt again. Here’s what I say. I didn’t plan on meeting someone. Life has a funny way of working itself out. You end up meeting the right one when you least expect it. Am I naive? Possibly. Am I an idiot for opening up my heart? I hope not. Will I get hurt again? That’s the chance we all take when we fall in love.
I’ve let my guard down in both my personal life and my business because I want to show the world that great things can happen after a horrible experience. You can love again even when it seems impossible.
Next time you feel like judging someone that is in the public eye or online, remember this. You don’t know the whole story. You only see what is shown. Don’t make assumptions based off of a highlight reel. One day, it could be YOU that is being judged. Women should support each other. Be happy for each other. Show kindness and love to each other. It’s amazing what happens when you are nice to people. It will come back to you tenfold.
Sweater: c/o Banana Republic chunky pointelle sweater (size XXSP) | Skirt: c/o Banana Republic paper bag waist skirt (size 00P) | Shoes: c/o Banana Republic (similar HERE) | Bag: c/o Banana Republic (similar HERE)
On another note, I still love this paper bag waist skirt (see more ways to style it HERE) so much and it’s on sale. Just ordered the double breasted trench dress version in winter white. I also got this sweater dress and hope it fits. Will look adorable with cognac boots and a hat for fall. I also have this chunky knit sweater in my cart…so many cute things!
Beautifully written Annie. You’re right, love is taking risks and you won’t know what you’re missing unless you take a risk and open your heart. You may find something wonderfully amazing. You are so graceful and truthful. Can’t believe ppl are still being hateful. Everyone should be supporting each other like you said. I’m still rooting for you girl!!
Thank you so much Diana! Yeah it’s just such a bummer that people can be so mean. I know it comes with my job but geez! Why can’t people just be happy for others? I really appreciate your kindness – it means a lot. XO
This post was perfection!!! Good for you and best wishes to with your new, happy life!
Thank you so much Anita! XO
I assumed you’d get negative comments from bored strangers regarding your recent stories. Oh to have been a fly on the wall while you reacted to them. 🤬😅
You and Milan are happy, that’s all any of us getting that tiny glimpse at your life from the outside should be concerned with. 💕 My biggest thought is how you eat out so much w/o gaining weight. *sigh*
Thank you Arlanda! LOL about the food…I don’t eat everything I post! It’s usually with a group of people so it just looks like it’s all mine. Hahaha I wish!
Amen sister! Don’t let anyone rain on your parade!
Thank you so much Tracy! XO
Annie,
This woman who insulted you, she has THE problem. Not you. I hope you are not too hurt by her and others who might have been nasty to you.
For sure, as I’m older I worried a little that you would have so rapidly a new love in your life. Like a mother to a daughter, I felt it could be difficult in the future. BUT! As you said so well, we never know when love will come to us. And secondly, let me tell you that when I met my husband who is 15 years younger than I, people would say that he was in it for the money (I was broke!) or that he would leave me…
Funny because I told them that my last life companion was my age and left me anyway so I was not bothering myself with their opinion.
Finally, this summer, we celebrated our 23rd year loving each other. He is my kind soulmate.
So don’t worry. Let life and love flow in your life. You are beautiful woman and a sweet soul.
Aww Denise! I love this so much. Thank you for sharing your story and I love that your man is younger and you are celebrating 23 years! That is amazing and you go girl! LOL
Yeah I definitely did NOT expect to meet someone or fall in love. I thought I would be single FOREVER. No joke! But life has a way of surprising us and possibly rewarding me for all the hell I went through for so long.
I really appreciate all your comments, love and support. You are an amazing human and I don’t even know you! XOXO
Hi, Annie:
Many thanks for your kind words. You are right: the hardship you endured was preparing your life for something so much better. Enjoy your new life and happiness. God bless you.
I’m sorry you had to go through that. How awful some people can be. I admire you for living a life true to yourself!
Thank you Tay! That means a lot 🙂
Hi Annie,
I am sad to hear about the negative comments but there will always be people who think differently or not at all.
Just stay the way you are and keep doing what you do. It makes you and a lot of other people happy. Best wishes and take care.
Thank you.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it! 🙂
Amen, sister! To everyone out there reading this, do what Annie says–support each other!!!!
Many thanks for all the hard work you put into this blog. 🙂
Stay positive!
Aw thank you Sherry! Wish more people were like you! XO
Annie, I am much, much older than you, but when my daughter was 3 yrs old, my husband decided he didn’t want to be married to me anymore. I was devastated. But several months later, I met someone and was in a relationship with him for almost 3 years. Again, I was hurt terribly when that relationship also ended, but yet I learned from it, as well. A couple years later, I met a man who had only been separated from his wife a few short months. However, that relationship did work and I am proud to say we’ve been married for 35 years! So, yes, Annie, we all take chances when we open our hearts, but I think it’s so worth it instead of always wondering “what if” if you didn’t take the chance. I wish you much happiness in your new home and in your new relationship!
Awwww Toni! OMG thank you for sharing your story. Loved all of it and congrats on being married for 35 years! Truly amazing and I am so happy for you. Thank you for your love and support. Means a lot! XO
Annie well said! You are so right, you deserve every happiness for both you and your daughter. Sending only good thoughts. I am so happy you shared your story and love your new home pictures. Love banana republic too. Hope you add more of their looks for us very petite followers.
Thank you Susan! Milan and I are healthy and happier than ever so I am grateful for everything that happened. Yay! Love BR so much and they have SO many cute things right now. Can’t wait for the new goodies to arrive lol
Its so SAD that people feel the need to judge you and your new relationship! Congratulations on finding new love and a new home to make new memories. There is nothing wrong with finding a companion, no one should go through life alone. There is something so special about having someone walk through life with you and there is NO TIME LINE of when to meet the right person your heart just knows and I as a mother truly believe you have your daughters best interest at heart! Screw the trolls they are just jealous. I wish you nothing but happiness!
OMG I wish I could LOVE this comment because it is PERFECT. I couldn’t agree with you more and appreciate you leaving this. I needed it and it made my heart smile. Thank you for making my day! I had sworn off men for good but then Mr. Right came along and stole my heart. <3
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It’s so easy to comment about what you would or wouldn’t do if you haven’t been in that situation. You know the people that are leaving negative comments are unhappy people and they want you to be unhappy right along with them. I’m so happy that you’re in a healthy, loving relationship and showing Milan what that looks like. You’re gorgeous, smart, kind, have a great fashion sense, have a beautiful daughter, smoking hot man and look like you’re living a pretty fabulous lifestyle, so my guess is that these women are jealous and want what you have! Don’t let the negativity get to you! I wish you a lifetime of happiness!💕💕💕
Awww Carla. Thank you so much for everything you said. You have no idea how much it was needed. It was a tough weekend and I love your positivity and kindness. You are amazing and I really appreciate the support. Sending a big virtual hug. XO
I really don’t understand the value that negativity brings. It doesn’t contribute anything to anyone, or society. To the haters: making someone else feel bad about them self not only injures the victim, it injures yourself. You’re festering more hate and misery in your life, and if you felt the need to be mean, it probably means you really don’t need more misery.
If you’re a shitty person (pardon my language), bringing someone down doesn’t make you less shitty. It sucks to suck as person, but that’s the reality.
So to the people who are victims of mean people, it’s not you, it’s them. And to the people who feel the need to talk shit: if you’re upset that people are happy… it’s not their fault it’s yours.
Okay. Rant over lol.
LOL thank you Michelle and I agree 100%! There is no point in being mean or negative towards anyone! And rant all you want! 🙂
Bravo!! Well said! My sentiments exactly!
You keep being you. You make my week brighter just checking in to see what you’re up to and how cute you’ve pulled new things together. Jealous haters aren’t worth it.
Thank you Lacey! I really appreciate it and you are so right – they aren’t worth it! XO
Annie, sorry for the negative ones! I love and support you and Milan and I’m so happy you found love ❤️ SUPPORT FOREVER!!!
Thank you C! Love you so much and hope you are doing ok. Sending love and prayers always. XO
Annie, I’m sorry this happened. It’s a pity that we live in a world where the internet gives people easy access to voice their opinion (good or bad) about everything and anything. With that comes the diminished ability to be considerate, intelligent, sensible etc. People need to keep in mind that unless you truly know someone personally, don’t assume zilch! Got something to say? If it’s not nice, keep it to yourself! Everyone is different, with different experiences and outcomes. Not all who share similar situations result in the same ending. Many varying factors contribute to these situations and individuals. Don’t let those mere words hurt you too much, Annie. It’ll only weigh you down and become obstacles. Don’t give them that power, ever! You do what’s right for YOU and those you love. If you’re not hurting anyone, then what’s the problem here??! If they can’t stand to see you rise above the ashes and be supportive of your newfound bliss, then they should do some soul searching of their own.
Annie,
I saw the pic and I am truly happy for you. You guys are a cute and lovely couple. You’re the only one that knows what’s best for you and Milan not some internet trolls so don’t worry about the haters. I’m glad things are turning around for the better! Keep doing you and living life!!
I cannot for the life of me understand why people are “following” you if they don’t like you or agree with you? Why do they bother?! Strange! I am sorry that some people feel like they can speak to you as if they actually know you or your whole story. Like you said, it’s none of their business and you are a grown woman and can do whatever you want. For the people who are worried about you getting hurt again, that’s sweet but I am sure that is coming from their own place of hurt and worry. You do you and trust that the majority of us stand behind you and wish the best for you and your daughter!
You are amazing Annie! So much courage to put yourself out there (so much more courage than haters hiding behind a keyboard. So obnoxious!). We love hearing your courageous story and happy people love happy endings for others!
Annie, Ive followed you for about 2 years now and your ability to keep pushing on and working hard despite the terrible circumstances you went through is an inspiring beacon of hope! You are courageous and have an inner strength that’s just amazing to see! You are a wonderful mother – Milan will never doubt that she is loved to the fullest and that’s really the most important thing.
xo, Mia
https://miaatthemoment.com
You’re a bad ass woman and don’t you EVER forget that!! 😘
I have followed for a while but have never commented before. This post spoke to my heart! I’m so sorry you deal with such awful things from people but you handle yourself with such grace! Much love to you and your daughter from St. Louis, Missouri! ❤️
From what you have shown, I think you are beautiful on the inside and out! Your story gives me hope for my daughter…. (she’s 30 an in an abusive relationship. No kids thank God!) I am so happy that you found the love you deserve! I don’t know if you notice or not, but the sadness is gone from your eyes and you are carrying yourself differently 😊 It is truly beautiful to see. Best wishes to you and Milan and your new love! Keep doing what you do Annie❤️
I would’ve blocked the person right off but that’s me. I’m too old for that drama.
I worry for you and Milan, but only from a place of caring, not judgment. It’s never a bad thing to love a man who treats you well and I genuinely hope your relationship stays womderful long past the honeymoon stage. There’s an old saying that we find love – or something else momentous – the moment we’ve stopped looking and let life do its thing. Otherwise known as Let go and let God.
I have followed your blog for several years now and I too am sorry that you received negative comments. It’s amazes me that (even if someone didn’t agree with your choices), that they’d feel it was their place to speak on it to you. Annie, live your life. Life is short and you should continue to do what makes you happy.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone had the opportunity to have their lives viewed through a public lens! Maybe compassion would be more prevalent. The good, bad and ugly is all a part of this amazing adventure called life; and I personally would have missed out on some of my favorite moments if I didn’t follow my heart without worry of public opinion. Some of my choices weren’t the best, some were downright terrible, but best ones came from jumping into the unknown. At the end of day, if we’ve had more good days than bad – we win! – I love your posts – keep on with your head held high!
Absolutely love this. Live your life, live your truth and be happy! Wishing you two all the best, you deserve it!
Annie,
Is it possible that the “person” leaving the comments is your ex, or a friend of his posting for him? Even if it isn’t, this person just wants to get a rise from you. Don’t let them.
Ignore them. Block them. Move on. You just keep doing you! 😘
I am so sorry to hear that you have received negative comments.
Love is a Gift, not anyone’s else gift. It is the Gift You Two have, so Everyone else Is Happy for the two of you! Celebrate with Your Whole Heart ❤️! It is a Very Special Gift! Congratulations 🎉
So sorry you have received hurtful comments. And why is it the hurtful ones stick under our skin and threaten to overwhelm the many, many more positive ones? Take the joy and run with it…I love following you and your family, and know things will work out fabulously for you! 💙
First: I want to say I love the sweaters with this skirt. Great ideas so you can continue wearing it into the cooler days. Thank you. Second: I don’t understand the negative comments to you. Reading your blog is a choice. This person can easily turn you off. You are showing others that could use some incouragement going through similar situations to never give up and continue forward. Life will get better with wonderful friends and family. You are a positive roll model. The pervious comments I just read are wonderful. There are more good people than bad. I have enjoyed seeing how you carry yourself and have moved on positively. Never give up!!!! 🙂
Thank you for being so open, honest and transparent! Also, very proud of you for standing up for yourself! Love your strength…
Keep doing you and keep the fashions coming! Love your site!
Sincerely,
Anita
You’re awesome and I am getting so much inspiration from your website. Ignore those negative comments and be your beautiful unique self! Only unhappy people criticize others.
Thank you for the website and sharing with us.
Well said! Kudos on standing up for yourself and love that you got this off your chest. I don’t know why someone needs to rain on your parade. You have been through a lot and I am sorry that this person just don’t get it. Even if things were on the bright side, no one has any right for judging anyone else – no one. On another note, I love this button up skirt. What is it about buttons that is just oh so adorable?! I hope your week is off to a great start and happy Monday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com