Having a "family of choice" always sounds so lovely *in theory.* In reality, I find that it is not so easy to come from emotionally damaging experiences and attract the kind of people and relationships one wants, or even to respond appropriately to outstretched hands and hearts.

This relates back to ideas on developing self-esteem threads, rejection sensitivity threads, and others.

I have learned protective behaviors and subdue my emotions in ways that can make me seem distant, unfeeling, and even "intimidating" I've been told to others. Yes, we "can" create families for choice but it is not necessarily easy to find this love and support.