"I like you just the way you are."

- Mister Fred Rogers.

Mister Rogers was (still is) a popular children's television host for decades in the US. He had a true ability to connect with children. Discuss their fears and emotions. In a house hold full of emotional neglect, Mr. Rogers was my go to voice in the wilderness.

You wrote a very honest essay. You have been hurt when you were young. I am reading an interesting book titled, "The Mister Rogers Effect" by Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley.

I was floored a segment in her writing that children as young as 3 can tell if their parents are really present for them. Parents who do take care of their physical yet maybe missing the child's emotional needs. Children are not stupid. They know how to navigate around a parent who is not there for them. In the book it may appear that the child is okay being on his own, but it is a response to being told to go and play, or go watch tv. The child hears "go away".

I like you for who your are and for writing this article.

We all need self care and self compassion. Another book I highly recommend, "Self Compassion" by Kristin Neff. I wish you all the best.