Reader offers a welcome update to past advice
Dear Healing: Thank you so very much for getting back in touch.
Along with scores of readers, I am always personally (and professionally) curious about how things turn out for people after I publish their questions.
MOST importantly: Good for you! I'm relieved that the justice system served you (and society at large) in the way it is supposed to. Sadly, this is not the case for all survivors. Your family's reaction is disheartening, but some people simply cannot or will not face the reality that they didn't protect a victim from the monster in their midst.
I hope you will have continued healing and recovery, along with a family-of-choice that supports your efforts and your healing. Count me -- and millions of readers -- among them!
Your story, and your willingness to share it, will help other survivors struggling with the painful legacy of sexual abuse.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free and confidential 24/7 counseling. Call (800) 656-HOPE (4673), or chat with an online counselor at the website: rainn.org.
Dear Amy: I have in recent years developed the habit of talking to myself.
My mother did (and still does) the same thing.
Is this a hereditary thing? I caught myself doing it in public the other day and saw someone staring at me as if I was crazy or mentally ill. (I'm not!)
Do you think there is there anything that I can do to stop this embarrassing habit?
...continued
