Probably the most common of all feelings in our culture. An inability to or lack of opportunity to connect with another person. Addiction or aggressive  performance manifesting itself as a need for perfection are frequent symptoms of this core issue. Neither addiction or performance satisfies this fundamental need for intimate relationships and friendship.( Maslow’s 3rd tier of Basic Human Needs.)

This predicament has its roots in childhood. We made a vow that since no one was taking care of us it became necessary that we take care of ourselves. If no one was allowed in then neither could we get out. And so a wall was built around us. The bricks in that wall can be removed if we are willing.

Having an Empty Chair conversation with ourselves at an earlier age could enable the adult person we have become to coax the child out of hiding and trust the adult self to to take care of our inner child.