For me, acknowledging me outside the four walls lets me know I'm a regular person, I'm okay, I'm not a dirty little secret, sneaking into a building to get my daily, weekly fix.

This fall my therapist and I attended the same concert series, and when I found out I invited her - challenged her - to come find me at intermission and meet my friends. The same ones we talk about. She did, and it was good conversation all around, not awkward at all for ~ 15 minutes.

I had told her months before that if she ever saw me in public that she was to approach me - despite boundaries...

So good for you healed84, a memory and comfort to lean on.