OMG, you guys....I feel stupid just saying "thank you" over and over, but, really, thank you for hearing me and not thinking that I'm totally ridiculous for having such immediate insecurities, and for offering your encouragement and support and stories, and ALL OF IT!!

It's SO weird for me to be here and to be hearing the ways that others can relate......I have been in therapy a long time, and have been dealing with these insecurities and feelings of being different and alone for A LONG time. Clearly, judging by the things that you all have shared, I am not alone in this. I suppose that seeing this commonality is *exactly* why my T encourages reaching out and connecting with others. He always tells me that I'm NOT crazy and different and alone.....but there is a huge difference between him telling me these things, and me really believing and internalizing them.

This place is a really good start for me. It's a really safe way for me to reach out and to see that there ARE others out there who *get* it. I just appreciate that there is space for me to share my insecurities so openly, because, I think that without being able to do that, I would bail.....For the record, I am REALLY skilled at bailing!

I read and listened to what each of you has shared here. Thank you for helping me, and I do so hope that in some way I might be able to offer something that touches and helps some of you as well.