Hello, Alliecat, and WELCOME! If you think it would help, why don't you practice more positive affirmations about yourself with us. We all get down on ourselves and say self-depricating things from time to time, (in fact, I did it in a big way today), but we can, in essence, 'fake it til we make it' as they say. The problem is that for as much as we may say negative things about ourselves to others, we say it even more to ourselves, and that's where the real damage can be done. People are going to believe what we tell them about us, especially if we say it often enough, so why not highlight the positive rather than the negative? I know that we say these things ultimately to receive the affirmation that we are OK that we so desparately seek, but, you know, even when it comes, if we don't believe it about ourselves, we often don't accept the compliments, assurances, & positive reinforcement anyway, and then others react by thinking "why doesn't she believe what I say is true," etc.. I hope you'll stay around and maybe we can 'practice'. I'll start. Today I went outside of the house for the first time in over two months, and I feel proud of myself for doing that. I received a lot of kindness and support here, it helped, and I am really grateful for it." Ok, your turn... Warmest regards, Peanut

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT </font color=blue>