You all brought up such valid points, thank you. I will give him a card (already bought THE perfect one!) and not feel any distress over it. I think what threw me was not just my friend's words but all the scoffing that went along with them. I felt like a little kid being laughed at for some "silly" idea, you know? But I love what was said about following my heart, and that's what I'm going to do. Thank you for understanding. StarryRead More...

Yaku, I love that your T already anticipated that his comment might have brought up some stuff. You're right - it is a risk to let someone give you so much, but he is the exactly *right* person to take that risk with, because he's the one that will help you establish new connections and relearn that not everyone is completely unsafe (something I still have yet to learn). Did his explanation help settle everything a bit? I've always been so caught up in making sure that I'm an easy, totally...Read More...

Hey Lampers - really good to see you. Thanks for the congratulations. It's coming down to the last two weeks, and I'm super stressed because I really want to make sure that I stay as Summa Cum Laude, because my Bio Psych class is a bit of a challenge! At the very least, I will get to walk at graduation as Summa - but I'll just feel like a liar if my diploma doesn't say it as well. Or maybe that's just the perfectionist, OCD in me talking. Thanks for posting, LL - it's so great to hear from...Read More...

Ack! Am I right in understanding that most of you guys are able to shed tears WITHOUT an accompanying runny nose? I must be built the wrong way or something, the moment tears come to my eyes my nose goes out in sympathy. The few times I have cried in therapy (and then only a few tears that I couldn't keep from brimming over) I've HAD to grab a tissue because of the damn nose (and had to try VERY QUIETLY to blow my nose without honking the place down or sitting there feeling embarrassed about...Read More...

I see no problem with having some sub-forums that are always open to newbies and seasoned members alike so they can get to know each other and get a feel for the board, but that perhaps the open area should be limited to the less triggering topics and everyday chatting and fun games. As newbies settled in and made several posts in the open forums (and thus showed they were not trolls and were serious about membership), they could "graduate" into access to the private forums. I also see no...Read More...

Scattered, Thank you so much for both your candor and your kindness. I felt your sincerity, and I know you speak from the heart. Thank you. I know you're right. I'm scared and don't think I want to delve into any of this right now. But if/when I do, it'll be as you said - with my T, and... this support network, I'm sure. My heart goes out to you for facing and enduring the challenges you're forced to deal with, and I admire your courage. StarryRead More...

((R2G)) I've heard that hardware store story before, I think in DBT! IT does make sense, I'm really impressed at the way you turn the conversation around... I need to try that. The problem with my Mom when she is drinking she gets very talkative and a little hostile if I try to break contact. So I need to stop myself before I call in the first place. It's hard when I'm freaking out I know it took you a long time but it's inspiring to hear that you've gotten to the point you have. I want to...Read More...

Awesome SG and so very true!! Thanks.Read More...

It was just released in theaters-- might have a limited showing, but it's one of those films that will go worldwide, for sure. Thanks for the sweet words and the hugs. Bullying is such an epidemic in schools and hoping awareness will improve this situation for my children.Read More...

R, I haven't even read anyone elses responses I am just going to say what I truly believe and that is NO. No I do not think you should contact them or get involved with them again. I know someone very close to me who did that with (drug addict friends) and they are now dead. What seemed like a good idea turned out to be a turning point in their life, that they would later regret and a turning point that saw them OD. So my answer is NO. Sound harsh? Maybe, but then I think death is a little...Read More...

Hey there Brokes, thanks for the welcome back . May I extend the same welcome back to you too - it's hard to keep away from here isn't it? LLRead More...

I do, yes. I remember when my little half sister was born and I came from school and Dad made a rocking motion with his arms which indicated that she had been born. To hold her for the first time was wonderful. I wish I could have had the freedom to look after her more but my stepmother was EXTREMELY possessive of her because my Dad had abused her caretaking of me when they argued. I had a great relationship with my grandmother when I was a child and my family across seas. They really doted...Read More...

Thank you- all of you- for your support. I guess I'll see Cowboy again next Week, it'll be three week break. the kinda thing that would've totally floored me with Guru t, but doesn't seem to matter at all with Cowboy. we'll see how it goes. I dunno what I'm doing- why am I there? However- I appreciate your support. I'm trying to care about it, as best I can...be well, dears, BBRead More...

Cat, hi. I never posted here, because it was a bit triggering. But, it is good for me to face my feelings about my dogs. Just one more feeling thing I stuffed down I see. I re-homed my two dogs when I was depressed and just felt so overwhelmed with all I had to take care of. I think I understand some of what you are going through and wanted you to know I care. Many hugs!Read More...

((((FMN)))) AG said it so beautifully that I don't have anything to add except to say that hopefully when you feel more secure with yourself, differences of opinion won't throw you so much. That is what's happening with me. Differences of opinion aren't as threatening to my sense of self as much as they used to be. It's a welcome relief. LieseRead More...

Yes, we can!Read More...

Hi Jane, I don't have the same feeling as you do about Easter, but I do have terrible feelings about Christmas and my birthday (they are not far from each other). I hate my birthday- don't want to celebrate and just want to be alone. I hate having to try and pretend to be happy when it is one of the saddest days of my life. It's hard when you have kids and they get so excited about birthdays, and so for their sake I have to pretend to be happy. Then there is Christmas...I used to love...Read More...

((((Yaku)))) That's s frustrating! The same thing happened today with my choir - we rehearsed with another choral group unexpectedly and, of course, had to sing songs that we had never even gone over (but they knew quite well), and some of the woman in our group were left crying afterward because a select few in the other group were laughing at us, although they didn't understand that we hadn't gone over the song even once. Being left in a situation where you are totally unprepared is really...Read More...

Well...it does make me feel better to know that stressful family vacations can cause even the best if us to have meltdowns I saw everyone again tonight and things were fine, but nothing specific brought up. When others asked how our vacation was, she replied that it was a comedy of errors. I could tell she was referring to the tension felt with her husband and me - she's the type who always has to be right and in control. I am in a place to let it go, though. The memories - good and chaotic...Read More...

ROFL too! I might have to recycle that next time Cowboy says it.Read More...

Thankful for this forum to come to and read from others after a week of complete frenzy....good and bad.Read More...

((((FMN))))) Nice to see you. Glad you could pop in. You have to take care of yourself first so not to worry about your absence. So glad you will be getting the help you need although I'm sorry you therapy might end with the T you've adored. Oh, yes the identity issues and the fantasy. Know it all too well. Good luck and keep us updated when you can. LieseRead More...

The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorites. I even love watching it now. It never ceases to entertain me although I had never thought too much in depth about it at all so I really loved reading this thread and reading everyone's thoughts about the movie. All the parallels to the therapy experience. Very touching. Great thread, TN. And I love that you wore Ruby Slippers today. I was also afraid of the flying monkeys and had to leave the room when I was little when that scene came...Read More...

Hi echoes, It's definately not a stupid question. I think it is something I have asked myself over and over. I wouldn't change some things. The abuse I suffered, I think, has made me more compassionate...more able to be less judgemental of others. But the reaction to that (as a child....ie. not being believed by mum and others....having to move out from the home) has made me doubt a lot of things. While I can appear to come across as a competent, confident human being....deep down...I know...Read More...