Hello Kalamity, welcome aboard, it's nice to meet you.

I,too, can relate to your post. I was raised this way, that image is everything. And being very bright brought with it, it's own set of issues. I won't call them problems exactly because being bright is a gift and not a curse. It had brought me far more good than bad. That being said, when it comes to my emotional state, I'm vulnerable and intense. I try not to show this side of me because it clashes so much with the idea ppl have of me. Strong, tough, stable, balanced, secure, self-esteem...the works. I learned to pretend quite well over the years I must say, lol. Because secretly, inside, I hurt. But God forbid anyone truly knew that, right?
This IS something I've thought about before and in fact have changed significantly over the last few years. I'm completely open about where I'm at with my bp illness with everyone I'm invovled with...work, bf, neighbors. I don't hide anymore, some can't handle it, others can. Regardless, it is what it is.
Basically, I just wanted to let you know that I understand where you're coming from. Keep sharing, you'll find us helpful and supportive and we'll encourage whenever and wherever you need it. TgrsPurr.