#fyi i love wilburs arc and respec him and cherish him

[insane-weasel]

Just something about c!Wilbur I'm not sure if anyone's talked about.

People who can be abusive or toxic, also can actually love people and see themselves as "just doing what's best", even if they hurt those they care about through what they see as acts of love or protection. It doesn't redeem them or excuse their behavior, but they do often see it as "I did what I thought was best for us!"

Just like as explanation that you can manipulate people out of very misguided love.

Abusers can suffer from mental illness and also be capable of feeling and giving love--just they really need some big therapy and a big break from those they hurt, no matter how much they love them.

Personal aside below.

As someone who has left an abusive parent who spousified me, an abuser often does love you. Just. It isn't good for you or them. And they can spin really convincing stories and gaslight you and often will proclaim they'd protect you from harm.

To this day, I'm pretty sure I'm still stalked.

But actions over words. I have to admit that it did trigger old memories the whole "Id have protected you from Dream." (but hey, I went through therapy, triggers are supposed to be dealt with internally--its not anyone else's fault or responsibility to manage mine).

But I also know that turn around with "but actually Dream good" is kind of how my abuser was. You point out you're being harmed or hurt and need protection, and often they start gaslighting or attempting to downplay your feelings, despite what they promised you--whether it be their boyfriends or friends.

Anyway, I love cc! Wilbur Soot for showing this in media. Emotional abuse and manipulation by adult figures to kids is only something I saw once with Tangled, and it was my wake up that "oh my god, my mother is insane." I think it's important that teens realize adults can hurt you without explicitly laying it out in a way you can see.

If it wasn't for the internet, I'd have probably believed some of those lies for longer.