yeah i can relate too, mouse. i have spent a lot of time in my life trying (and a lot of times as a kid) succeeding in being people's favorite - tho none in my family who i was often trying to escape. I relate to Garfield's sitting on the neighbor's portch with a baby bonnet on and a sign that says "Adopt me" (all for the love of lasagnia).
But I too have seen that when I am someone's favorite, i can't be me. I did manage to be one t's favorite (3 t's ago) and I was so very proud. But I had to stop working with her because she wanted me to work on body stuff and i knew that if I did that, i would be gross and disgusting. I couldn't be t's favorite and be gross at the same time.
Now i am not trying to be my current t's favorite and i am so much more free to talk about things and just be an average person with "issues".
Those are really good awarenesses, mouse!!!!
kiya