good advice and insights mj, thank you for replying. I do give off the impression that I'm independent and need very little but why do I have to appear needy in order to keep friends? It's confusing. Lots of people don't want to be around "needy" people so actually telling people I need something....well, it would just feel weak. I want to be able to exist on my own and be independent so it really drives me crazy that I seem to need other people in my life. Why can't I just be strong and alone and be ok with that? (sigh)
It's a conundrum. Thanks for the reply though. I appreciate that you took the time to read and answer.
take care
tina

"Sometimes it takes other people to point reality out to those who don't live there"
me