I appreciate all the feedback. I do realize that I am tainted by past experiences when it comes to developing new friendships. I wonder if I am setting it up to fail....

It's ironic, because I was totally honest with the last two people that I started friendships with about my fears about delving into new friendships, the bad ones I've had, the result, etc. - and how I can't be getting involved with people who don't respect my space and boundaries.

During my last session with T, I mentioned that I had that vibe....and we talked about it. He said that I have a good understanding of what's healthy and what's not, so I should trust my instincts. I am struggling with that, because I am not sure I'd agree. I don't want to read into things too much and be on guard because of these past experiences.

One example was, I told him that when I saw her one day last week, I told her I could only stay until a certain time cuz I needed to pick up my daughter and take her to an appt. When I was leaving, she said, "You're coming back afterwards, right?"

That was a trigger for me.....T said that it wasn't a simple, casual question - it was an insistence, an expectation.

T told me that I have good instincts when it comes to boundaries and to think about what I would say if I was the other person...and I know I would never ask something like that. I wouldn't put that burden on someone. I would say something like, "You're more than welcome to come back afterwards - but if you can't that's ok! Don't feel obligated, just putting it out there."

*sigh*

I don't want friendships that are hard. T tells me that I need to get out more, socialize more - but need to maintain limits, set boundaries and have some balance. Easier said than done.