This is something I'm still really struggling with myself. With T, I'm able to face my emotions, because I know it's safe to express them, to be vulnerable, and that she'll offer me her silent support and encouragement. I'm starting to be able to do this around close friends as well.

I think, sometimes, you have to just decide to give in and let yourself honestly feel what you're feeling. If you feel like crying, just cry. You don't have to name the emotion, or justify it, or analyze it...just express it. For me, that was the first part of being able to honestly face my emotions - just expressing them rather than pushing them away and pretending everything is fine. Even if I can express it for just a moment, that's better than pushing it away.