Bear Necessities

Recently I got a comment on my website based on a post I wrote titled Haptephobic, where I discuss my discomfort with being touched by strangers or even unexpectedly.  I wrote that post 10 months ago and it was my way of acknowledging my problem and the beginning of my trying to address it.  I have gotten more spontaneous and comfortable but that is not what this post is about.

Here is what Bear (who did not leave his email address) wrote

You're fucked up.

Seriously, whatever your hangup is - Let it go.

Fuck it, you know?

Do me a favor, and tackle the next person you see... Slam them into the ground and don't let go of them until you feel comfortable enough to hang on.

So here is my reply

Dear Bear -

Thank you for your concern and your diagnosis - wow I will look "Fucked up" in the DSM IV and see what wisdom I can glean.  I agree that if we could all just let go of our hangups then the world would be a better place.  Well no maybe it wouldn't because someone more umm Fucked up than I might find their inability to kill or maim people to be a hangup.  I would hate for them to just get over their hangup and go out on a rampage if you know what I mean.

I did get quite a bit of amusement in the picture of me tackling some stranger to the ground and hanging on to them.  I believe that is considered assault and I do have to admit to another hangup.  I have this uncomfortable dislike of being arrested.

But I appreciate your concern and caring.  You do not know me (I am assuming - I do not know anyone in Alaska) but you reached out to touch me through the Internet.  Your methodology is simplistic and a bit crude but I do believe your heart was in the right place.

So thank you.  And you are right - probably in my own unique way I am fucked up.  The cool thing is that now it does not bother me - it just makes me an individual.  We all have our hangups, baggage, quirks and likes and dislikes.  10 months ago I was all about fixing all the crap in me that was broken.  But what I finally figured out was to like who I was, fucked up or not.

Sincerely

Me :)