I definitely get this one, Audrey. Sometimes I feel weakened by my desire for people to like me. Further, I can be an amazingly positive person on the outside, even when I feel horrible inside. It's an act, but people buy into it. Then, on days when I really feel horrible, it's like people are upset about it because they have an expectation that I will be positive and carry them. They dont want to help when you are down, they just want to maintain the status quo so they won't actually have to care or spend any energy on you. I understand that too, but it's important to recognize it all for what it is - the farce that generally is an office friendship/relationship. Wanting to be left alone is a common feeling for me too, especially when I am feeling bad and people's platitudes only make me feel worse...and eventually angry. In general, in the office, I try to keep things even and to myself. I wouldn't expect colleagues to care too much, or listen too well...but I also wouldn't show them too much either. When someone asks, 'are you okay' my standard reply is ' just having a day, thanks...'

"A wise man leaves the road, and finds the way."
- Lao Tse