A great topic. I know for a fact that my issues were present before meeting my AW. I spent my early years with my depressed mom who manipulated and was extremely needy. Meanwhile my dad was nonexistent in my life and often promised things but rarely delivered. My issues with being insecure, perfection driven, having low self esteem and wanting attention from women has been with me for years. I'm trying hard to work on these issues but back track often it seems. I feel defeated at times as well but one day it'll click and I'll be able to make progress.
Thanks again for all these stories. I don't feel so bad after hearing others dealing with similar issues.