[roseblossom]

Can anyone offer any insight on how to achieve this?

I am aware of disclosing a lot of my worries and about my self to people and asking them a lot about their own personal experiences. I realise that I'm seeking an emotional connection when this happens, but I'm beginning to recognise that my boundaries aren't helping me at times.

For example, in my relationships with friends or my mother I think I disclose so much that it means that the balance of power in the relationship is definitely in their favour and I can get very hurt when they make certain remarks, and my self-belief and self-worth can be stuck at a low level. I suppose its neediness on my part.

[Leed]

Hi Rose ~ All I can offer is you have to learn to NOT disclose so MUCH information to friends and family. That way they cannot hurt you with things that you've told them. These things always have a way of coming back and biting you in the butt.

If you don't tell them much, they have NOTHING to use against you. Of course, that takes away your support system, but sometimes we have to learn to deal with things on our own, or else go to therapy, and use the therapist as our support system.

I don't tell anyone in my family ANYTHING. It always comes back in a negative way. They're not trying to hurt me, but lets just say they're too concerned and it comes out negative.

I wish you the very best, my friend. Please take care of yourself. God bless. Hugs, Lee