I totally understand whitneys mom. I moved around a lot also because of my father's career and due to some family situations. I attended 16 schools, 8 of them high schools.

Now, in my work life, I have been moving constantly from one job to another. I am 47 now and have no retirement package waiting for me, no partner, and my two sons are about to leave the nest.

One thing I did learn in counselling last year was the distorted thought patterns of mine and I realized (or learned) of my self-fulfilling lifestyle. I suspected people would reject me so I avoided befriending people and when they tried to be nice to me, I was stand-offish and self absorbed. They would move on and I would gloat about being correct about them never sticking around. I especially have this problem with no trust of men and feeling very lonely now as my sons are grown and soon to begin life on their own.

My behaviour is very much self contained and my sons tell me that I seem too "occupied" to be approachable. I learned from years of isolation in my childhood how to amuse myself and rely on nobody else for things I wanted. Now, I am so self reliant, people move on and feel there is no room for them in my life. I also find it difficult to communicate with others because I am so used to doing things alone.

I now have to learn to approach people and ask questions to welcome them into my personal circle. This tells them I want their input on things. Even if I don't care, it opens communication. I can now joke with coworkers. I still do not date, but it is a beginning.