Pain/regret from a life of avoidance

[manuel_moe_g]

Thanks, weary. You are a good friend. I appreciate your warm words.

[oak]

Manuel Moe! I am glad you are using your words. Good for you. That takes alot of bravery. I'd pin a medal on you right now if I could. I mean that sincerely. There are all kinds of bravery, and yours is one of the best: a quiet, strong everyday sort of courage.

I can't give you, unfortunately, the intimacy you craved as a young person and did not receive.

What I can give you is something that no one can buy: you have the respect of a good man. I honor you.

I am being inelegant, but to the extent that I am a good man, you have the respect of a good man.

A brotherly regard. A vigorous sort of esteem.

As a human, you need touch and affection. That is best received in your day-to-day life.

What I can send via internet wires is respect. You've earned my respect.

[manuel_moe_g]

Thanks oak, it means a lot to me. You took great care with your words, and I feel validated. Thank you so much!

[oak]

Hi Manuel Moe.

I wanted to post here, not because I have anything profound to say, but because I am the LT of HALT, and wanted to get out of my head for a moment.

The only profound thing I'd have to share, what I've really learned in life, is that dental and foot care are important parts of self-love. Fresh air and sunshine are good for a person, also. Lastly, remember to get enough sleep and plenty of water. But especially dental care. That's really important. I can hardly stress that enough.

That's the best I've got.

Thanks for letting me post on your thread, Manuel Moe!

On a scale of 1 to 10, my tired/sad/too-much-in-my-head status went from an 8 to a 4. I went from a fiery sriracha sauce of self-condemnation to an everyday ketchup of vague regret.

[techchick]

Hi Manuel Moe,

I'm sorry I didn't see this thread sooner. I identified in depth with what you wrote in your initial post.

As oak wrote, you are a good man. You've been the only one to comment in support of my Dear Diary thread, and knowing that someone cares about what I wrote there is nice.

I know what it's like to blame ourselves for mental and spiritual conditions without which our lives might have been different. I do think that the notion that "there's someone for everyone" is a pernicious myth that affects people like us in particular. So much of finding a partner is sheer luck.

I hope that you have a peaceful weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your thoughtful comments on these forums.