i wish i had some answers for you a lot of times i just keep going looking for some small things to help keep me focused and out of my head. do you want to write more about what is going onRead More...

thanks for sharing something so sweet i love to read posts that are so happy.have fun with your new puppy.i think it has found it's way into the most perfect situation.who better to understand what the puppy has gone through.it is in the right placeRead More...

(((Anna))) So sorry for all you have had to endure. I echo what Outsider has said, especially about healing taking a long time. Also... I can't speak for your ex, of course, but I think abusers are often like the drunk drivers that walk away from an accident that leaves the innocent ones injured and forever scarred. What the driver did - how they've hurt someone, and their culpability - often doesn't sink in to him for years, even decades. If ever, in some cases. Sometimes they're truly...Read More...

((((IRIS)))) I'm so sorry about the situation surrounding your birth and the problems your mother had. It sounded incredibly painful and I think you are amazing for surviving and making life better for yourself. It couldn't have been easy. One of the hardest things I've had to do is come to terms with what I don't have compared to what other people have and that includes not really having a family. I have a mother, sister and brother but for different reasons, they are not sources of joy or...Read More...

AG, thanks for the link. I've read that post before, but filed it away under "Makes perfect sense ... for other people ... but in my case it was ALL MY FAULT!" I'll add it to my list of things to listen to. landaRead More...

Well HIC, all I can say is that bashing your head into a wall hoping your parent will magically change...is something almost all of us have done at one time or another. Giving up that fight is HARD. But for me at least, things have been better on the other side. Not that I never slide back into head-bashing, but at least I can be realistic most of the time.Read More...

Hi Liese, I would enjoy reading that article. Sorry it took me so long to respond but I had a lot going on with school.. I am reading all the posts but am still too fried to write at the present moment :0Read More...

it makes me smile to read what everyone is having to say (and HIC, I did read the original post I just didn't have a reply at the time that would really fit). I really like my Ts, I (now) find them sweet, love them and love tons about them but they still LOOK in intimidating. They give off a presence that is beautiful and over time it has felt safer and more comfortable and cozy but nothing to do w/ them physically Maybe that is my version of this. I'm kind of jealous (SORRY to admit!) that...Read More...

BorntoWrite, You are a very inspiring writer! Your heart and soul illuminate your words. (((Liese)))), I hope you find self acceptance one day...Read More...

Thanks puppet and cd...you are right. safe distance always helps...I'm working on it, but man it is an uphill battle!... hugs you guys, BeebsRead More...

Awww (((draggers))) we don't think you're dumb at all after all you is still recovering from your bug attack from last week!! (((closed doors))) Thanks! I've never been called awesome before!! Oooh it don't half feel nice!!!!Read More...

Hey xoxo, I loved reading that. Its so true and well written. Thanks for sharing! B2WRead More...

I read this article yesterday and this thread came to mind. I love what she says here - and need to hear each thing myself, even though I'm well over ten! 10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know Before She Turns 10Read More...

Thanks Starry! I think this is a good place to put the warning. B2WRead More...

Hi Zwag, The people on this site are not counselors or therapists. There may be some who are, but the majority of the participants are IN therapy. Some have chosen to study further in that field and have some knowledge, some even have extensive knowledge related to psychology, but that is not what this site is about. This site is really about on-line support and being able to share our experiences related to therapy. Hope that helps. B2WRead More...

(((Liese))) It never crossed my mind to think that you didn't. I realized what you were complaining about here was the lack of boundaries and respect your mother/brother are displaying to their neighbors. I just found it personally ironic that I was sympathizing with the villains of the piece because of my own neighborly gripes. Of course I don't think mom/brother's behavior is in any way okay, though, and I'd never say anything to my neighbors either. Mmm, think I'm being a bit redundant...Read More...

All the time!!! My T always asks me what is my stomach trying to say lol I used to say I'm just hungry but my stomach makes a lot of noise when I'm trying not to say something and when I eventually tell T my stomach stops growling lol LuciRead More...

(((hemlock))) Thank you so much for your kind words and your advice. It may be I'm just not cut out for being seen, but despite the mini freakout, I'm still glad I tried a little bit. A little trying is what I have in me right now. Maybe after working with T, I will have a lot of trying in me.Read More...

[quote]1.what was your favourite food when you were a child? teenager? adult? Child - HOT DOGS; teenager - HOT DOGS; adult - STEAK (AND HOT DOGS!). 2.what chore do you hate doing the most? BATHROOM 3.what sound do you love? A BABY'S LAUGH OR A CHILD GIGGLING 4.If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? DANCE - I HAVE 12 LEFT FEET 5.what would you like to change about yourself this year? I'D LIKE TO LOSE WEIGHT 6.If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy? A...Read More...

(((Incognito))) Setting boundaries with family is so freaking hard. I had a recent situation where I walked out of a family dinner because of the arguing, cursing, and meanness that was flying about. As I walked out, removing myself from the chaos, not reacting at all, staying calm, I was the one called immature and childish. Funny, considering I wasn't the one yelling profanities across the room, or throwing plates... And I wasn't the one who called afterward saying one of the cruelest...Read More...

(((Starry))) Glad you enjoyed it.Read More...

That's awesome Athenacus. I love that someone training to be a therapist has so much input about what it's like to be on the other side of the couch.Read More...

I love you all so much and love hearing what everyone is up to! I've been so overwhelmed. This is yet another one of my threads I will come back to and individually reply I've been reading though and... hm I thank you all so much for also saying you've felt the 'omg every hates me' stuff too. We're adorable.Read More...

so far everyone is safe - a few have evacuated and some are ready to go if they need to. Evacuation starts just three miles from my house but isn't predicted to come in this close. They are saying the earliest it would be out is 72 hours - se we wait and pray...Read More...

bravo!Read More...