ICU

You raise many valid points, as usual!

In my case, I have had swift kicks in the butt all of my life....done out of anger and not for my benefit, but because of lack of control on someone else's part.

Therefore, I am particuarly sensitive to kicks in the butt. Even if there is much need wisdom there, I shut down to it. It makes me think....that I'm in danger.

Now, if someone else has the same message, but it's done with understanding and compassion, I am much more willing and actually able to hear it and think about it.

Now that's just my example based on my experiences. No, I don't want to be coddled (well, maybe sometimes I do, but not for long), and I don't want to be kicked either. What I respond to best is perhaps something in the middle.

Again, that's just me sharing what works best for me!