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It took me too long to discover that putting up an emotional front was only hindering me. It was a coping mechanism that I formed during childhood, and led to poor social skills / ability to open up in relationships (among other things). I wasn't in-tune with my own needs; I stopped listening to myself after not being listened to by others. I closed myself off to the world and went through what i can only describe as periods of dissociation.

I know it's hard to shake off learned behaviour... I still struggle with it from time to time, but I'm getting better at it. So don't go back down that road. Don't overcompensate due to people having wronged you in the past. There are people who will listen. Find them and cherish them.

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