Sadly, my view of the world is quite cynical. I have difficulty trusting people and the trauma I suffered from my childhood has greatly impacted my romantic relationships. I almost always believe someone has an ulterior motive in befriending me and for that reason, I live the life of a hermit. I feel cheated and betrayed by my own mother. During my twenties, I had "friends" who dragged me into the drug world, where I found an escape from the hatred I felt within. I never hated anyone, only myself. Sadly, my mother passed away 9 years ago and the hope I had that she would change died as well. That feeling is somewhat bittersweet.

Luckily, this cynicism has never resulted in job instability, where I still have the same job for the last 11 or so years. In that way, I am fortunate.