Resubmitting:

Dear Lemon Tree:

You are welcome.  “I guess being an overachiever is something that I has been told since I was a child by my parents and teachers“- what is your definition of overachiever, and are you truly an overachiever (or is it something that you were told by people who had a different definition of the word)?

“I always a sense of danger. I’m like a meerkat so I’m hyper alert all the time, this is what I have been told!“- this is what other people told you. What can you- if you will- tell me?

About meerkats, from Wikipedia: “Meerkats are highly social, and form packs of two to 30 individuals each… There is a social hierarchy- generally dominant individuals in a pack breed and produce offspring, and the nonbreeding, subordinate members provide altruistic care to the pups… they remain continually alert and retreat to burrows when sensing danger…Meerkats are highly vigilant, and frequently survey their surroundings by turning their heads side to side; some individuals always stand sentry and look out for danger. Vocal communication is used frequently in different contexts; for instance repetitive, high-pitched barks are used to warn others of predators nearby. They will generally retreat to their burrows for safety, where they will remain until the danger is gone. They stick their heads out of burrows to check the area outside, still barking”-

– thinking of a meerkat’s pack as it’s family, a meerkat feels safe within its family, but when a child feel unsafe within her family (“my family is not safe for me“, your words).. and when there are no physical burrows to retreat to for safety, what does a child do?

* I ask lots of questions, but I don’t have a right for answers, so please answer- or not- as you choose. Good to read from you regardless!

anita