Well, there you go. That's awesome!

I know when you have an identity it's really hard to give that up. The label can be a comfort. But it can also be a burden - don't forget that part of it.

Still, your world is probably rocked. Expect it to be bad for a little while, and that is okay. Expect to mourn the loss of the label, and take care of yourself while you do it. Don't judge yourself for however you feel.

However, you haven't changed. Remember that. You're exactly the same person you were before, whether you have the label or not.

The thing is, you have more paths now. You don't have to run down then all at once. But when you're ready, you can. There won't be a massive brick wall blocking your way.

Personally, I am thrilled you had the guts to look into it! I think everyone who was diagnosed more than 5 years ago should go through it again, because the criteria has changed, and again, not that you'll be a different person, but your gates will unlock, and you'll have more opportunities if you don't insist to yourself that you're stuck.

It's so great, you have no idea. Or maybe you do, just a little bit, under all the shock of it.

Keep talking. It will be a process. Having the avoidant label is like having a security blanket. You don't have to try anything new because you "can't" and if you fail it's not your fault.

The funny thing is? Every avoidant person I've ever known is constantly trying to figure out a better way, even knowing it's basically a losing battle. They don't rest on their laurels, using it as an excuse.

But mourn. Give yourself a break about it. Take care of yourself. Don't think you're going to run out into the world and be a different person now.

Be proud of yourself for being brave. Double brave - to tell people about it here is courting rejection. Pay attention to how little rejection you're going to get! People are going to be darned impressed by you, not say "you're not one of us now.''

I'm thinking you are going to be real popular too. Because there's nothing like having someone in your life who doesn't have a PD but understands avoidance.

But keep posting. Talk about how you're feeling. Don't bottle it up. I'm sure it was a big shock, and the future seems scary, but you've just opened up your whole world. So awesome!