Carrie,

Thank-you for your input. I really hope that you will be safe when you go to visit your sister, and that it works out in a positive way, not just a set-up for the self-injury cycle. ((((((((hugs))))))))) You know, I have always considered my sister to be an abuser too. That really surprised my T, especially since she is younger than me, but it was my sister who followed me around trying to enforce all of mom's restrictions, and telling me that I didn't have a chance and was sure to fail, so why try anything. I always felt like she was holding me back so that she could get ahead. She changed, and we are friends now, and she is supportive. A lot of that probably has to do with that she has a successful career and I haven't gotten very far in that domain, so she can feel superior, so that probably keeps her happy, but we do get along. Maybe you and your sister have a chance too.

So, SI as an addiction. Yes, that probably fits me. It's more than just SI that is addicting though. My identity consists of being a self-injurer, and includes all my diagnoses & stuff. I can't let go of it because I don't know who I would be without it. I'm afraid that there isn't anything else - or that it is the only thing about me that is interesting.

Carrie, be careful about spending time with your sister, ok? I do hope that you can build a new, positive relationship with her, but I don't want you to be hurt.
Wendy

<font color=orange>"If we are going to insist that people pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, we must ensure that they have boots."</font color=orange>