Typically, we seek out people that understand them. The people the best understand us can often be people who have had similar experiences as us; unfortunately, these experiences can be extremely painful, and we seek comfort in those that share our pain. This can mean that we surround ourselves with people who have the same pain and the same coping mechanisms and are hurt in the same ways we are hurt. The people that may provide you with a way out might just be the people you are avoiding.