John Robertson has been taken advantage of his entire life. Friends, partners, employers—people have seen his vulnerability and exploited it. He calls it “the sign on my forehead” that tells people he can be used. This is the story of how a brain injury made John a target for exploitation—and how he learned to recognize the patterns.
The Target
John describes a pattern that’s repeated throughout his life: “I have been told that just looking at me, you would never know I was hit by a large truck.” Because he looks normal, people don’t realize he has cognitive challenges. They assume he’s just naive or slow. And they take advantage.
The Sign on the Forehead
“I have never wanted to hurt anyone in any way,” John writes, “but if it’s toward me, it’s almost like I had a sign written on my forehead.” This is the crux of his experience—he’s been mistreated his entire life because he’s an easy target.
The Lynn Deception
Lynn, his partner in the restaurant and gas station business, was one of the most painful betrayals. She was:
- Drugging him at supper time
- Planning to leave with his truck
- Sending money to a man out west
- Threatening staff if they told John the truth
- Eventually committing suicide, leaving him with $80,000 in missing money
The worst part? John had trusted her completely. “I was left a very gullible person where people have been able to take advantage of me.”
The Business Exploitation
John’s business partners repeatedly took advantage:
- Vlasi: The foreman who used John for money, eventually proving to be a “drug-addicted asshole who took advantage of my disability”
- The window company boss: Who promised John $500 a week plus commissions, then stopped paying
- The flooring company owner: Who used John’s contacts and labor without proper compensation
The Pattern
The exploitation follows a pattern:
- Someone offers John an opportunity
- John agrees, trusting them
- They ask for more and more
- John gives more and more
- They take advantage of his generosity
- John is left with nothing
- He realizes too late he’s been used
Why This Happens
John explains the root of his vulnerability: “I have a few issues when it comes to relationships. I find that I am an emotional sap when it comes to ladies, especially when they show an interest in me.” This is a direct result of his frontal lobe damage.
The Emotional Exploitation
Women have also used John’s emotional vulnerability. “Me and my head injury affected every relationship I have ever had.” He falls in love quickly, gives his heart completely, and is often left with nothing.
The Financial Exploitation
John’s financial losses have been substantial:
- $80,000 missing from his restaurant business
- $100 or more in gas money for work he was never paid for
- Money for vehicles that were never returned
- Rent that was promised but never paid
- Work that was performed but never compensated
The Breaking Point
John has reached the breaking point: “I am 61 years old now, and I am done putting up with people’s shit.” This is a declaration of self-worth, a refusal to be exploited anymore.
What This Teaches Us
John’s story teaches us:
- Vulnerability isn’t weakness: Being taken advantage of doesn’t mean you’re weak
- Trust must be earned: Not everyone who offers help has good intentions
- Boundaries matter: Saying no is a skill that needs to be learned
- Self-worth is essential: Knowing your value helps you recognize when others don’t respect it
- Courage to walk away: Sometimes the best decision is to leave
Conclusion
John Robertson has been exploited his entire life. But he’s also learned to recognize the pattern. In his older age, he’s finally developing the boundaries he needed all along. His story is a reminder that even when the world takes advantage of you, you can still find the strength to say, “No more.”
