Taking the plunge

@Former-Member Yes home and away was a good final. Will mis it during the hols. This time next week Christmas will be over. Yea. Amen and Awomen. !!!!!! Night night..

@utopia Just read other thread, I hope you don't mind me responding. As I've tried all the tricks of the trade and still find myself in the pit, I just want to say you are not alone. Sending a candle and sitting with you if that's ok.

Hi @Former-Member

I also had a difficult time with my daughter at that age - in those teenage years they will push the boundaries, we have to keep putting them back up or they will walk all over us - but at the same time being there for them where they know we love them unconditionally.

The arguements and coldness can really be hurtful and unsettling. Bad for anxiety. Try and avoid arguing if you can. Say your bit calmly if possible and leave it with her to think about. If she bites, just walk away. If it's really bad (crossing the line), give her consequences to let her know it's not acceptable. It can be such a tough call at times but you don't need the added stress.

The relationship with my daughter is just starting to improve greatly now - she is 21. She improved in maturity once she moved out - she now really appreciates and respects her parents. Never use to be the case. Your daughter will come around once she realises how hard it can be out there - she will appreciate and respect her mum more. Arguing really does jolt the nerves - hope it settles for you xx

@Former-Member - I know your message was for @Maggie but just want to let you know that I am thinking of you. I would be the feeling the same in your circumstances, most would - my best friend is going through it too and is drained. I hope someone is there for you as you are there for them. We are only human and need others. You are stronger than you think. Be proud of who you are and what you have achieved under horrendous circumstances xx

@Maggie - I also value your friendship very much as well and will always be here for you 💕 Fantastic that you are feeling better as I was so hoping... - that shimmer of hope can make such a difference in ones life and peace of mind, enjoy it while you can. It may come and go but it will always find you and you it (usually through a friend or insight), when in the darkest days to keep you/us going.

I have just got back from bingo, had a good time but the heat is really effecting me adversely. I think we have reached early to mid 40 degrees here. It's a heat wave. Always makes my nerves worse. I woke up feeling really anxious. Not sure why. I am so good at blocking my emotions I can never be sure what rattles my subconscious or whether it's physical. Probably what my friends are going through may be having an impact - I just can't accept it yet. More than likely the latter. Hope that makes sense.

Not being able to hear properly would make communicating much more difficult and would hinder conversations without doubt for you. I can understand your reactions. Especially given on top, the way you have been hurt over the years. Are you comfortable wearing hearing aids when in company? I had been hurt a lot too and understand your weariness and uneasiness when first meeting people, but once we find that special one we click with, there is an air of ease that flows and it's so worth the risk. It really uplifts.

I enjoy the right type of company, which can be trial and error. I have to get to know someone before I trust them or let them close. Casual conversation I can do with most but always feel shy. I find I don't have to say that much - just mostly listen and say a bit when I can fit a word in lol.

You are not an ice maiden my friend. I use to come across like that once - it's just that we are weary and untrusting of others and our guard goes up. Deep down you have much comoassiona don empathy. You are special. Never doubt it her and in real life. I believe in you, you can too.

I find I am worse on my own even though I am I dependent. The right company, having a chat and a laugh is good for me. Otherwise I go down. It can be difficult, but I seem lucky when getting out there in finding a few good, friendly people. There are some good people out there still. They are gold and keep me going - as does my purpose in life. Which I don't think I have not found fully yet.

You hit the nail on the head with what you said about your social worker. It's not always about having all the answers - it's just knowing someone is there when we really need them that gives us that solid foundation to keep going and trying. That's what I have found has helped me to survive all the nightmares my life has constantly thrown at me - that foundation that my husband's love gives and those special friends and people that came into my life at the right time. And they always will - I have that faith. They had good advice which I needed to follow, but their love and care was what saved me ultimately. That's what really matters in life and in the end. Love ❤️