I know too many people who are emotionally closed off.

I'm one of those people.

I have to work very hard to be open, because being open makes you vulnerable, and I've spent years distancing and protecting myself in some vain attempt at peace and comfort, or at least safety. I never achieved any of that.

So, I've been trying openness. It's really hard, and you do get hurt. You can't really win. But I think it's still worth trying.

I intend to be open and truthful, even if it hurts me.

I'm only sad that I didn't try it sooner. Maybe things would have been better if I did.