Dear one, believe me, you are not the least bit "long-winded"! We have some folks who write messages the length of "War and Peace." Of course, I'm exaggerating. You write what you need to write and don't worry about the length. Okay?

When we grow up in an environment like yours, we learn from the folks around us that we are not of value. And since these folks are the first ones we learn from, we internalize their opinions. Even when we get older, it is hard for us to forget what we were first taught. You are very wise to be in therapy. Therapists are folks who are supportive and who give us love and caring. (Of course, they adjust their therapy style based on what they perceive their different patients need.) The feeling that we are worthy and the ability to love ourselves does not happen overnight. After all, often the feeling of being unloveable has been taught to us for years.

You are on the right track. We are also here to help. You'll find many people who have come from similar backgrounds and are struggling with this issue, too. And as you become more comfortable with yourself, you will realize that you have something to offer others as well. You will get friends who will affirm your value, too. And you can also seek people and groups in real life who are loving and supportive.