Hello AbladeintheMeadow: Well... the Skeezyks has never been diagnosed with this. Neither does he know of any particular resources related to it. But he absolutely understands the concept. It describes his entire existence.

In fact, just prior to reading your Thread, I was thinking about how my entire existence is (& always has been) based on someone else's concept of who I should be. (I'll spare you the details...) I would have to say though, as I have gotten older, it has become increasingly difficult for me to maintain the façade. When I was younger, I could squelch the typhoon that swirls within me & keep going... plastering a smile on my face to hide the pain. Most of the time, I didn't do it well... but I did it. However over time my ability to do so has weakened.

Based on posts I have read here on PC, written by other older members, I have the impression this is not just me. It is a characteristic of growing older. I think as time goes on we just lose the "strength" it takes to keep hammering this stuff back. As a result, I think it is important for young & even middle aged individuals to try to resolve these sorts of inner conflicts if they can; because ultimately the pain will out one way or another. Thanks for posting this Thread. It made me think. I wish you well...