Quote Originally Posted by cadence View Post
I tend to keep a barrier between myself and others, and I take a long time to let it down and be completely comfortable.
Maybe I have issues?
I'd label your behaviour as smart, and mine as naive. Of course, if you have a distrusting nature you won't be taken for a fool as easily. But I'm still going for my naivety. Even though it's cost me in all kinds of ways, within relationships and without. I like to trust people.

For me it's simply a question of peace of mind. Being the smartest isn't always the best.

Just do what works for you. If you're so distrusting you're pushing men you'd like to be with away... well... then you've got issues. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. Changing our nature is, if at all possible, lots of hard work. Better to work with what you've got.

If you're inclined to being distrusting, then tell it to your guy. And just tell him, that if he wants to make you happy, there are things he needs to refrain from doing. Things that trigger your fears. As long as he does those, you'll have peace of mind and everything is great. Of course you have to give him something in return. Putting up with ones partners annoying features, (which we all have) is down to give and take, isn't it?

But if you're always distrusting no matter what he does. Then it's issues. Then it shouldn't be expressed at all, other than just explaining that you're having one of your "psycho episodes" and you just need a hug, or what ever works for you. Because if you express it, you'll just wear him down, and he'll become resentful. Just like Russell told us in his story, right?