Sounds like you and I are in the same boat, Soup! Though I have to say that I think both on and off the internet are "real." In one environment (there) I feel very limited, tongue-tied, frightened. In the other (here) I can say what I think and feel without fear or favor, but with consideration and kindness. Neither is "more real" than the other. They simply have different advantages and disadvantages. I'm strongly hoping that in the near future things in what we call "IRL" will become for me more like they've always been for me on the internet.

I thank you very much. I'd just like to demonstrate to others that therapy can really pay off. That self-examination and exploration really are effective in the end. Can change your life entirely. For all kinds of reasons, originally explored by Freud himself and elaborated on by his successors, too many people give in to their internal promptings telling them to give up trying, to stop this nonsensical peering into their mental innards. It's only your unconscious telling you to lay off for its own entirely self-interested reasons. Therapy is worth the price of admission. I think it should be pursued with as much strength, intensity and seriousness as any individual can possibly muster. For many of us, there simply aren't any other options. Take care!