Yep.

Yes, it can be a rough time of year for me as well. More to do with family memories than the rape, but there is a definite "loss of innocence" thing going on as well - knowing that I can never go back to being that child-like and trusting again.

I try to find a balance between having some "me" time on my own and meeting up with friends later on ................. I find I'm often better off allowing myself to have a small weepy moment on my own, it stops the tension from building up all day.

Going slightly OT, spare a thought for a young lad I know who'd only recently passed his test and got a motorbike: last week a car driver didn't see him and collided with him, and he's now in hospital having had to undergo amputation of his lower right leg. I hear he's handling it with courage and humour, but it's terrible that this is happening to someone so young.

yeah, i do.