I've noticed that, while I like to support and care for others, I'm very picky about what I receive in return. I like to be listened to and encouraged, but I've very rarely liked to be on the receiving end of hugs, cuddling, or affection, and if I don't know someone well I don't want them involved in my business or my emotions at all. Despite this, I often attract troubled people and have had total strangers talking to me about their problems or asking for my help with things.

One thing I've been researching is the impact of narcissistic parents on children, as I often felt I was my mother's "outlet". My role in childhood was to be the damaged child she would talk about to others in order to gain sympathy as well as the one who listened to all of her problems. She twice entered dysfunctional marriages and had few friends, so that was her way of compensating, I guess.

Do you think there could be any connection?