Sorry about the virus @Former-Member but glad you got away for your annniversary.

Yes understanding trust, vulnerability and defenses seems key to good relationships.

@Adek If you do not mind I would not mind some links on the material you were talking about in self defence mechanisms.

@eudemonism Expressing the way we feel seems to be part of getting unstuck, then comes opening a space in our personal narrative to grow a better life.  A better life based on your values. Maybe we are more like plants than first thought. Things seem to weave around.