Thank you for this thread, AngstyLady!
I have to unlearn some bad images of myself as well and struggle with self-acceptance. It feels good to be given this impulse and to be reminded of something so valuable.

I often feel embarrassed to admit who I really am. I am this type of person who wants the world to be a friendly place, who wants to be nice to everyone and to be loved (not by everyone). Whenever I try to be more distant or selfish, I start to grieve a little bit inside. Also, it took me a little time to accept that I am not into going out, clubbing, fashion and what is "in" as well. I would try to do that, go to clubs, but end up crying somewhere on a train half-drunk in the middle of the night, or be miserable because I would never ever understand style and make-up like the others apparently do.
Now a few months ago I just gave in, bought a bigger COUCH and now I sit there for hours and hours and knit the hell out of my wool-basket. And yes, I like horses, and guinea pigs, and cats, and dogs, and people, and I feel completely incapable of hurting someone or something.
I am not a morning person, I do not run or do anything that implies stress or noise if I don't have to. I don't want a hip boyfriend who runs with the scene and I don't want an exciting job with lots of prestige. It took me some time to admit that I dream of smaller things, of love and Ahimsa (non-violence), and that I prefer sleeping to socializing.