Nan,
That fear of emotion you speak of is interesting to me. We wern't allowed to express any negative emotions as children. "Don't cry or I'll give you something to cry about" was a common statement from mom. Dad just gave a back hand to us. Children were to be seen and NOT heard! To this day, I have a very difficult time expressing myself appropriately. I either stuff it, (to quote Archie Bunker), or I rage. I'm learning to control the rage much better now, but, still can't get to the appropriate expression of emotions. Anger makes me cry most often now.
Hopefully, some day, I will learn. Better be soon. I'm well past middle age now!
Shalom!
PS, I also use humor.
