Yes, I do share my feelings, way too much I think. But even with doing that, people often think they know the motives behind my actions and not once have they been right. I state 'how' I feel but rarely 'why' I feel that way or 'why' I do certain things. That's where people jump to the wrong conclusions. They see what they want to see, not what is the truth. I agree with your reason of self-esteem for my needing reassurance, not sure about habit. But there's also my life history and the impact it has had on me too. Rejection goes back as far as I can remember in my childhood.

Yes, I am in therapy. So many things to work on. The list is endless.