Ask Alex - Ex May Be My Anonymous Cyber Bully

Today's Ask Alex About Stalking and Bullying comes from Vivian who writes; 

Alex,

I have been bullied online by an anonymous person for a long time. I don’t know for sure,  but I think that it is my ex husband and his girlfriend. I haven’t seen him face to face in years. We have kids, which he hasn’t seen or supported, ever. But every once in a while I have emailed photos of the children. Sometimes he is cordial and really pleasant. Sometimes he says he loves me.  Other times I'm not even sure if its him on the other end of the email. Responses are nasty, and personal, and hurtful.  Anyway, its been two years since we last had communication and that ended badly, a new round of anonymous bullying started soon after and lasted for about 4 months.  Now all is quiet.

Then, out of the blue, last week he emails me “how ya doing” nothing else. I don’t know what to do. Should I respond? Will it make the bullying start again if I do…or if I don’t? What if he finally wants to have a relationship with his kids and I don’t respond and deny him that? What if he isn’t behind this at all and its some complete stranger, but I am keeping him at arms length because that little voice in my head says that he is behind it? I know that you suggest people break the big complex problems into small bites, but I just keep going in circle and making myself crazy. What should I do?  Vivian

PR & Crisis Management expert, Alexandrea Merrell answers question about stalking, bullying, online harassment, and hate campaigns, and helps adults deal with personal and professional reputation crises to ultimately rebuild a stronger, more resilient, and joyful brand and life. AlexandreaMerrell.com