i know how u feel and i know how hard it is to not let the guard down.
even when i tell myself not to let my guard down, it happens naturally.
i am thinking its normal for then to shut down, although i dont know why and it really isnt fair!
i should look for the book, Hope for the Separated, never heard of it and it sounds like a good one...
wish i had advice, but im in the same boat as you!
hang in there..
me: 31 H:29 Son:5 m:8 years in november t:10 years first bomb: 10/06 moved home: 3/08 out again 5/08 ow bomb: 4/08, since summer 06 d filed:6/08, on hold 6/08 moved home:3/09 out again 5/09