I too, wear my heart on my sleeve. I used to think that I needed to change who I was in order to get along and have relationships with others. I have recently learned that I don't need to change, just toughen up a bit. I am who I am, and I've become secure in knowing that. If others don't like it, it does not have to hurt me. I'm pretty tough now in knowing that if someone has a problem with me that it is not my fault.

also there are the users out there, and the manipulaters. I have found that as long as I am honest and not willing to play any games, then I don't have to worry about them. When people use you and get you down, or dislike you after getting to know you, it hurts only as much as you care i guess.

I guess after reading my post, I really seem to have a cold heart. I don't mean to, but when it comes to others who reject me or that see me as retarded or something, I do have a cold heart. It can shut off and shut out those who do me harm, even if it's my parents.

ooohhhhh, my advice here is bad. I'm telling you to shut those people out and have a cold heart towards them. Don't really do that, it's just what I do. It's my defense mechanism. I don't really know any other way. hmmm.. I neeed to work on that. I'm with you now.... I could use some help in that direction too

sorry to think out loud here.. but that's how I process.