Hi Kayleigh,

I know the feeling and the history; esthersvirtue mentioned about wanting people to like us. I've been through all this. One sure thing,the more we want people to like us, the more we are setting up to get hurt. I've died a few deaths on this front, and taken some agonising rejections.

Life has been better for me for quite a while. I've been letting go of this 'wanting' and just focus on liking myself. Anything after that is a bonus. In a social situation I try to switch off the 'please like me!' thoughts and just be in my own place, maybe with a friendly smile. I can just about get through a party situation these days, something I couldn't do for years on end.

Kayleigh, it's good to hear from you and thanks for a useful post that's touches so many of us here.

Good thoughts, Myzen.

PS - I' m still scared rigid of 'chat', went in once and haven't been back. It's not easy to stand around smiling in chat, because no one can see you!