Anon, your words & advice make the most sense to me of all...I think one of the main reasons I'm so sick & conflicted is that, as I said, I hate lying...and you're right: it usually has a way of backfiring.
I have no problem telling someone straight up that I fell on hard times a few months ago...but prior to that I've never been evicted, I was keeping up with the rest of my bills until about a month ago (I missed ONE car pmt and my credit score tanked 100 points!1). I have a steady job (albeit the pay is crap) and I'm just trying to get back on my feet. I have no intention to screw over someone who takes a chance by renting to me and can understand that sometimes in life, things happen that are beyond your control; all you can do is keep working and pushing forward until you get on more solid ground. There's got to be someone out there that can understand that & that will hopefully not take advantage of another person's need and desperation....at least I hope so.
I'm just mentally exhausted 100% of the time going over and over and over all of this in my head...I can't think clearly.
You made some very concise points, fren.
>Most times, honesty earns the most respect, thus the most trust
This contains the most truth and I believe it.
I cannot thank (You) and some of the other Anons here for your concern and your guidance & I need and welcome all prayers.
God bless you all.