Dear lk09,

I could not figure out why I felt sad, I think I have a little idea now. I was belittling myself again, unknowingly.

I am glad you recognized the negative thoughts that might be fueling your feeling of sadness.

I feel otherwise light and happy within but there still remains a void

Pay attention if that void shrinks when you tend to the toddler within you, and tell her how lovable and precious she is. If you have an old photo of yours from that early period, perhaps you can put it somewhere where you can see it, and send positive thoughts and feelings to that little girl.

I am glad your parents let you off the hook for now. You’re 5 years younger, so if I were you, I’d insist on getting more time to find the man you love. You can tell them that your sister was given till the age of 32, so you too should be given at least a few more years. Be adamant about it. Till now your sister has always had better treatment and was tolerated much more than you were tolerated. It’s time this changed – demand equal treatment because it’s an issue of great importance to you.

And try to relax, dear lk09, you still have plenty of time in front of you, and you’ve made great progress in understanding yourself and taking care of yourself. You’re doing great. And it’s not your fault that your boyfriend left you. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re perfectly capable of being a great companion. And you deserve someone who can fully appreciate you. That someone will show up, perhaps when you least expect it, but they will show up, for sure. In the meanwhile, it’s important that you think positive thoughts about yourself, that you love yourself, value yourself, and all the rest will follow, just give it time….

• This reply was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by Tee.