Dear T,
It helps that you seem to view me in such an empathetic (or maybe sympathetic?) manner. That you get how much of a struggle some things can be for me, to deal with all the emotions and stress I'm feeling, plus, as you mentioned, taking in the emotions of other people around me. I'm glad you seem to understand that it's something that is just innate to me. That I'm not doing it on purpose, malingering, acting a martyr. And I do think that it's been a particular struggle since the pandemic began.

On another note, it's funny you seemed surprised I can be "unrestrained" at concerts. Like I said, in some ways, you know me better than anyone, but there are also sides to me that you never see (and that I don't particularly talk about). But driving home, I had this thought--maybe part of why I've struggled so much with the pandemic is that I haven't really had moments where I'm "unrestrained"? Would it maybe help to think about ways I could experience that (beyond, say, concerts)? I mean, dancing while listening to music at home or singing in the car help. But are there other ways I can let that side of me out? Even something like art or writing?

Love,
LT

ETA: You also don't see/hear how I talk to my guinea pigs, which may be for the best! "Hey, girl. Who's a cutie? You're a cutie!" I'd say maybe you talk to your dog or cat (or turtle) that way, but I have trouble imagining that....