I think that we can have close IRL relationships. I have some very close relationships, that have become much more honest and authentic since starting therapy. I'm less afraid to show people my "real" self, and I think, just more OPEN in general.

Letting people in has been a SLOW SLOW SLOW process. My relationships with people have always been way more "give" than "take", and learning to receive things from T - attention, caring, concern - has helped me start to do that a little bit in real life.

I will NEVER tell people IRL the things I tell T. Parts of my story, and parts of me, are for T only...not for my friends, or even H. But all of that is only a *part* of me and my story.

I hope that everyone who wants deep relationships outside of therapy will find them. I think therapy is a good stepping stone...it has been (and still is)for me.