Bottom line, Bim—I’ve got the “only child” syndrome. I still am paranoid that everyone around me is thinking about every word I say. In reality, I know that unless it’s something earth-shattering (which it rarely is), it’s just a blip on people’s radar screens for a moment or two. Just the same as most other people’s statements are to me!
I often have to remind myself that I’m not terminally unique!
News update: I saw the neurologist today. Nicest, kindest doctor I’ve ever met!
He gave me lots of cognition, memory, eye focus, and reflex tests. Overall, I passed easily (just forgot one word).
He assured me that I didn’t have the beginnings of dementia or Alzheimer’s; my little lapses are totally normal for my age.
He said that if I needed more peace of mind, he could order me some further, more concrete testing; but I said, no thanks. After the short but thorough series of tests he performed, he convinced me that I’m totally fine.
He told me I was free to come back to him anytime, but for now I’m good to go!