Both oh so true! Though a lack of being open is far from my only reason in not connecting/being lonely, it's undoubtedly one of them. I have walls upon walls, and I have only recently managed to let a few down with my psych. It's timely how you mention the anonymity thing, AniManiac. I said this just yesterday at my appt.! Same with the grocery store, even really wishing that I did know some PCers IRL, but am realistic enough to know that I would just clam up again... Sigh.

Too funny on the big Russian books. It was Nicholas and Alexandra I was reading at that time(!) (It didn't cause any problems per se, they'd always existed, but it probably didn't help, lol.) Oh, middle school. I don't think anyone wishes to experience that again!