Heather has given you some great advice. It is hard to let go of what we "thought" we had. I struggle with the opposite- fiercely independent with difficulty expressing emotion. Sometimes, I wish I was more clingy.
It's great that others see your growth. Keep focusing on you and you will get where you are supposed to be.
3 kids BD 12/15/13 (IDKIILY. ) Rope dropped Cirque du Soleil style D final 9-9-14 "Some people are born on 3rd base and go through life thinking they hit a triple." Barry Switzer