When I was in preschool I was touched inappropriately by one of the other little girls. And when I was about 7, the granddaughter of my old babysitter had abused me more than once. I have always been shy, but back then I was so shy that sometimes the only time I spoke in school was to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm pretty sure my shyness came from my mother, but it became worse from the abuse. I was like a silent puppet. Anyone could do anything to me, and I'd just take it. As an adult, I've overcome a lot of that shyness, but some of these patterns remain. Not to such an extent however. I know I need therapy, but it's a bit expensive for me right now. It really does help to know that I'm not totally alone though. Thanks for listening.