Hi Bree, No problem about deleting my reply! And, like you, I love purple. In fact, I'm going to use it myself here and now. I'm glad that you're not contemplating hurting yourself. Please read carefully what Veronica and Monica wrote. They both have a lot of wisdom. BTW, I was not happy to read that people have said you have an "addictive personality." I think that is nonsense. Sure, you might be addicted to something and need to work on that. But having a "type" of personality like that? I hate labels, I really do. Especially when it's from people who likely don't know what they are talking about or what you are experiencing. If you only knew what's been said about me over the years: "You're too sensitive." Okay, well thanks very much. Now, what am I supposed to do with that? Veronica's correct: it's often a defense mechanism that we use to protect ourselves by closing ourselves off. And that defense is learned in our amygdala way back when we are small children, and triggers a fight or flight response. If you're like me, it's all flight and withdraw, and then, I turn those feelings on myself. Over and over again. Who wouldn't be depressed in such a situation? It's hard to break those patterns, I'm working on it. But that's especially when we need help from our therapist(s) and hopefully, spouses. With respect to being more open with your wife, I was lucky in that my therapist agreed to seeing the two of us. There were certain conditions in that he didn't want to play favorites or have her feel like he was only there for me. It was fantastic as, gradually, I was able to tell her what was and is going on for me in a much safer environment. It is stressful and emotional, but I really could not do it without his help. So that's an idea. Warm hugs, Emma