When I want someone to like or approve of me, I open up and show them how vulnerable I am. I reveal everything about me, all the things I'v been through, and how sad I am.

The truth is I actually don't want to do this. My manager was once angry at me for being late to work and I broke down and told her how depressed I'd been, and she was so kind to me from then on. I was strongly drawn to her and I'd longed for her approval for months, and that day I finally got it. I guess maybe I "learned" I could manipulate people into feeling sorry for me, and in turn caring about me/liking me.

I hate it though. I wish I was more guarded and could preserve my secrets and vulnerabilities more. I look back now on some of the people I've told my life story to, and I'm upset. I never should have told these people my secrets. Some weren't good people.

I guess I just wondered if anyone can identify with this? Has anyone experience of doing the same thing?