I kind of know where you are coming from. I was once a sweet innocent kid. After a series of events and family break-up, I later became very cynical, combative, destructive, mean, combative, deceitful, disingenuous, non-sincere, a lone-wolf and other negatives and was always looking over my shoulder in fear of attack and ready to fight.
Back then I was unable to show my honest feelings as it left me vulnerable to attack. Appeared to be impermeable as a rock; nothing came in and nothing went out.
But that is a recipe for disaster and destruction.
After many years of tearing down the walls I created, I now take every opportunity possible to be open, sincere and not waste what the moment offers. If I have a chance to have a quality moment with myself, a stranger, family member, lady, friend, animal, nature, I seize the moment and the opportunity. It might not come round again. In fact, it won't.
But, I give space to those that are protecting their vulnerability because I know that on many levels, I am ignorant of the places in my life where I am still a cover-up artist.
So, my New Year's resolution is just to be as genuine and as authentic as I am able to.
And yours, gentlemen? _________________________________________(fill in the blank)
PS: Don't be shy. (as if anyone on this board ever is)