I see it for myself (no one has to point it out, nor do they IME), yet I get ‘overwhelming emotions’ anyway.

What I think is the crux of the issue for both Ruby and me is the need to feel liked, loved, admired, appreciated by the person(s) who we want it from. In both cases, these people are not capable of giving that. That’s what sets off the emotional lability.

Although I want it from those interpersonal relationships closest to me (family, mostly husband), Ruby targets authority figures. Maybe it’s a parental kind of affection for you, Ruby. Or maybe it’s a hopeful romantic affection. Time and again these managers are annoyed and distance because they are only a professional relationship and need to keep it that way. They want to keep their jobs! You seek something from someone who you know will never give it to you.

For me it’s so close, so close and yet so far…

P.s. Though, I only cry and complain. I never made a negative spectacle of myself. (That’s not true, I did). No one in public has seen me melt down I did it in front of my closest family! I’m horribly ashamed and embarrassed about it. It definitely affected my kids. I didn’t START emotional meltdowns (not since I was emotionally abused as a young child), but then not again until I was in my early 30’s after having two kids.