Thank you, CG, for giving us this perspective- admitting how hard it's been, and still is, and reminding us of how to get healthy in the long run. I'm so glad you are hanging around, giving advice and perspective. I've changed my screen name, but you may recognize my thread, linked below. I think we all value your insight as someone who's further down this painful road. To me, you seem like a very strong, very independent woman (even if it doesn't always feel like that to you). I think strength isn't always appearing not to be vulnerable, but allowing yourself to sometimes feel that, and soldier on anyway...
(((CG)))
When the men on the chessboard Get up and tell you where to go; And you've just had some kind of mushroom And your mind is moving slow; Go ask Alice... I think she'll know.