I just want to share some progress that I have recently made. I always know there is a link to the past with current issues in life. (At any rate, this is my belief.) I am working in treatment with the modality EMDR. I have been working for a long time on my social anxiety and have long believed it has manifested through the years out of a need to feel close to my father. My father was very socially anxious and I have always thought I was reacting to loyalty to him and learned behavior. Yesterday I realized that he (out of a need to protect himself) was very critical of individuals who had a healthy sense of self (self confidence). My belief as a young child was "my dad wont love me if I feel or act confident". This has been a long and painful process and I am so glad to be unraveling these pieces. I know my dad loved me dearly. I have been so afraid of this loss that I have limited myself at any cost to keep his love......