You may find it easier to keep your distance from people. You can be friendly, helpful and perfectly capable of holding a conversation, but letting someone know you properly feels different. You listen to what other people are going through, offer support and make yourself useful, while saying very little about what is happening in your own life. People might describe you as private or independent. They may even admire how well you cope on your own. What they do not see is ho

You may have left your childhood home many years ago, but that does not always mean you left behind the things you learned there. You might still notice the smallest change in someone’s voice and immediately wonder what you have done wrong. You might find yourself watching people’s faces, trying to work out what mood they are in before you decide what to say. When a message goes unanswered or someone seems quieter than usual, your mind begins searching for an explanation. Oth

You are the person who thinks ahead, notices what could go wrong and tries to deal with it before it happens. You remember appointments, make the plans and check the details. When other people are struggling, you step in. When tension begins to build, you try to smooth it over before it becomes an argument. Other people might describe you as organised, dependable or good in a crisis. What they may not see is how difficult it is for you to switch off, or how quickly anxiety ta

Walking through the door may be one of the hardest things you have done in a long time. You are entering an unfamiliar room and sitting among people you have never met, without knowing what will be expected of you or whether you will feel able to stay. You might sit outside for a while before coming in. You may reach the door and want to turn around, or worry that everyone inside will know immediately why you are there. Part of you wants to find people who understand, while a