I'll never forget the very first time (as an adult) that I took myself out for dinner and a movie. Just me, because -- you guessed it -- AX was out drinking and doing god knows what. I had always been petrified to be seen alone, like it was some kind of a mark of a loser. That night, I just had had enough, and the pain overcame my social stigma. I had a great meal, the waiters and waitresses all chatted me up and asked me what I was going to see, etc. And I got my full week's quota of laughter just in those few hours.
It sounds very trite, but that evening changed me for good. Being able to love your own life, and have your own fun, was and is really freeing for me. No one and nothing can take that from me, and it gives me the strength to do other harder things in life.
Fun and laughter to the paddlers!!!!!! :ghug3