What Goes Around....
Living in a rather small town myself, many people who know my ex knows he's a drunk and avoid him as much as possible. Even people who used to be his friends now avoid him. I think word has gotten around that he's bad news, but I think "he" thinks he's still fooling people. Your ex is likely doing the same along those lines of thinking. Ignorance is bliss maybe. At least you know the reality of things. I'm sure some of those women Charlie Sheen has been with thought things would be different with "them" as well.