Mine was beaten out of me and taken in other ways,both physical and emotional over the years..Choosing to be solitary seems to be my main defense.I make my choices today and stand by them.
But even now,I am sometimes too easily undone.At the moment I am doubting my ability to voice a point of view,maybe doubting my right to do so.I'm reasonably bright and articulate.But someone comes down on me for something I said,and even if I disagree, I feel shaken.Worse,I feel wrong for speaking up for myself.I wonder why I got singled out(if I did)for a reprimand.
And I decide to stay out of further discussions that might turn out the same.I hate feeling "less than" or feeling like the easy target for someones elses stress.I tend to regret letting my guard down.It's safer just to distance myself.
Guess I still have a lot of work to do.
phoenix
PS....I really admire you all
