Thanks Anita and Inky.

Anita, It’s curious that I wrote that misleading statement because as far as I know I was never lost or forgotten! But it was a recurring worry/feeling I would have (especially when my parents were late to pick me up as they often were). And to address your earlier question, I never felt ignored or unseen as a kid. Now, my life feels motionless and I often feel like a bore.

Inky, I’ve always gone out of my way not to discuss friends with other friends. I guess I do this because I know the talk bothers me and so I can only assume that it would bother someone else in the same way (Do unto others…)

I don’t think my childhood was perfect but there really is no reason I can come up with to explain why I’ve had such low esteem.

Thanks for your help so far!