When I start a thread I want to be heard, supported, and validated. I probably want that more than I want opinions even when I ask for them, because opinions confuse me. I want to be understood, and I find that I usually am understood here. I also have a need to repeat my story, over and over, and writing is a way to unburden myself. I feel less alone when I post here, and I've found comfort in knowing that whatever issue I have, I'm not the only one with that issue.

I don't like when my threads get hijacked and I feel rejected when that happens. I also don't like when my threads leave page 1. I admit I often post to bump them up. I know I have to learn to accept that the world doesn't revolve around me, my therapy, and my threads.

I like to post in others' threads because I want to be helpful and because I care about them. I have developed relationships with a lot of you and I care very much what happens to you. I think that my experience in therapy can be helpful to others, and I feel good when I get positive feedback that I helped.

Thanks for this thread, earthmamma.