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MacD said:
I so relate to your feelings..and I think its because I was raised in an atmosphere of "don't air your dirty laundry..." and boy has it cost me....but don't think for a minute that focussing on the problem makes it worse...it's essential

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It's not even so much a 'dirty laundry' isssue as... I just continually feel like I'm complaining. Other people's problems always seem to be so much worse than my little issues. I don't feel like I have a right to spend time thinking about how bad I have it when there are people w/real needs. I can always listen to someone else's worries & difficulties, but I don't feel like I should add to their bad day by telling them about things I'm going through. That sort of reply that starts out with, "Oh, you think you've got it tough right now. Listen to this!" But I've also never been the type to expect sympathy or support from anyone except myself while still being willing to empathize, sympathize & support other people's emotional needs. Either that, or I just withdraw when I can't muster my energy enough to offer support...