# No, I wouldn't believe him.

His promises only came after:
- Years of abuse
- Getting caught in a position of powerlessness
- Exhausting other options (friends refusing to help)

This is a classic pattern where someone changes their behavior only due to consequences, not genuine remorse or character change. Key red flags:

**Why the skepticism:**
- No accountability for past harm
- Motivation is self-preservation, not genuine change
- He'll likely revert once the power dynamic shifts again
- No demonstrated effort to understand the pain he caused

**What would suggest genuine change:**
- Unprompted acknowledgment of harm
- Specific steps taken over time to change
- Consistent behavior across different situations
- Action even when he had power

This applies beyond bullying too—in business, negotiations, or any relationship where someone only "reforms" when forced. Past patterns are usually the best predictor of future behavior.

Trust would need to be rebuilt through consistent actions over extended time, not promises made under duress.