Experience: Life

One of the first things we do, even before birth, is form a relationship. After our first relationship is formed, we continue to search for meaningful relationships throughout our lives. These connections shape and mold us, affecting our actions, attitudes, and beliefs. Being loved, understood, and accepted are concepts we hold as highly important and we look for these things in the people with whom we connect. We need the certainty of their loyalty and we are deeply affected when that certainty is not there.   I have had trouble being successful at relationships. Because of the hurt and disappointment I experienced in past relationships, I refused to allow any one to get too close to me. When I noticed someone drawing close, or if I believed that they were going to hurt me, I would immediately start to push them away.  This tactic seemed to work at first because I was avoiding any further hurt or disappointment. It soon backfired. I eventually became an island with ...