Originally Posted by Welcomingthenew

Dear Missinghteoldme - My goodness we share a lot in common. I realized many years ago that I could look back all the way to high school and college where I was considered bubbly and friendly and likeable and realized in truth, I was always very lonesome and alone in reality. I never connected with people on a real level. It sounds like maybe you feel that way too. I had a ral Dad and a step-dad. My real Dad was absent and we barely had a relationship. My step-dad loved me but he grew up in anorphanage and never really learned how to show approval or be demonstrative. I wish I could offer you some serious words of wisdom but I can't I guess. Maybe the best thing for us is to stay sober instead of letting booze help us smother our truths and our pain and see what actually shows up. I know we must be wonderful loving people who are deserving, we just somehow got the wrong message as we grew up. I am going to try to nurture myself and my inner heart with reading books that address it and just trying to be good to myself and be patient to see how I feel once I am out of this huge fog. I don't know if this help in any way, I just wanted to let you know you are absolutely not alone.