Going straight forward...antlers 5th thread.

[antlers]

I do need a healthy dose of self-esteem, but it's hard to get it when so many important things in your life are so messed up!

After seeing things in her that I don't like though, if you care about someone, then you overlook their faults.

I've let go a bunch, but I'm having trouble, I guess, letting go completely. Just being honest. I know it's absolutely necessary though. I do feel, as you did, that I'll be alone the rest of my life and that I can't do "as good" as my wife. Again just being honest.

I don't doubt you a bit, and I can see especially how cognitive distortion (exaggerated and irrational thoughts) can inhibit one's self-confidence.

Changing perspective (learned optimism) should help too.

I just hate like h*ll that things are the way they are.