October 15, 2012 - I talked a little about Kristen's unhealthy relationship with pain about a week and a half ago. Most of her dialogue here suggests that she has a lot of issues, extending to potential drug abuse beyond getting a reaffirmation of her existence from experiencing pain. Again, I mention The Hotline as a resource for you or someone you know experiencing abuse.

I do consider Kristen a masochist, which isn't to say all victims of abuse are masochists or all masochists are victims of abuse. Abuse can happen to anyone, and is always wrong. While, depending how one handles masochistic tendancies, masochism can be healthy. To be honest though, I generally don't strictly define masochism as enjoying pain in a strictly sexual sense, which may not quite fit the standard definition of the term. Kristen probably views her enjoyment of pain more as a manifestation of her emotional turmoil than as a form of sexual stimulation anyway. Masochism can be a pleasurable experience with caring responsible people, and I don't think Kristen really has that. I only state this to clarify any confusion I may have earlier caused.

Kristen's storyline isn't quite over, but it finishes up this week and I'll be making further comments on it as it nears completion.

-D