Hey,

I've been feeling a little low self esteem lately. I have met some people that I network with and when I'm around them, I get very nervous and feel low. Probably because I have this pressure from my family to maintain a certain image. It gets very stressful.

How do i cope with this?

When one of the persons names all these high end brands and expects me to know them, and sometimes I don't know them, end up feeling inadequate. I don't know why. Also, becauseI'm from US, sometimes she expects me to know certain tv shows and I don't, then i feel stupid again.

Its usually just around her. This is a bit odd but she's the same chinese astrology sign as my sexual abuser. So, I automatically get nervous at times...

ugh.

Please help.

I also feel very alone. I don't know how to open up to anyone, actually I don't know who to open up to. I don't have close family, they're dysfunctional so I only keep in touch with my mom, but I can't share anything with her, she stresses me out more.

Second part:
I also happen to like one of the guys in this group but I can't tell him I do, because then it'll ruin our whole friendship thing. But he flirts with me A LOT. and I like him now A LOT. How do i guard myself and stop from having feelings for him?

thanks.