Thank you very much for your support and hugs and for such an overwhelmingly positive reaction to what I wrote. It is always scary putting our true hearts on the line. Some would condemn me for feeling sorry for myself - to which I would respond, IF INDEED that is what i was doing it seems to me cruel to tell someone that after a lifetime of being rejected they must now join in with the others and give no empathy.

I do not know what the key is to overcoming these feelings but I do know what it isn't. Stuffing it down inside does no good, if there is any hope of overcoming it is my belief that the answer lies in sharing with others including those who have had similar experiences.

For a long time people thought of me as tough and capable and resilient but that was all an act I put on I think. The truth is that I have always felt overwhelmed and powerless which lead me to make bad choices in "love".

Thank you again so much for your warm acceptance and empathy.