Hello Ladies

As I read through the form topics, it usually doesnt matter what it is specifically about, and the replies to the topics. I HEAR YOU SISTERS. I am a 20 year old female, who has been moved to tears by your words and your stories... because they resound over and over again in my head and find similarity and company in my heart. I know that there are many boys and men who suffer with this incapacitating habit (my dad picks subconsciously while driving or watching tv, and my brother picks more like those of us who know what we're doing, know that it doesnt give us the results we want, but sometimes cannot help it) but as I read I just hear the female voices ring so in tune with my own. Anyway, I know this forum is supposed to be a safe anonymous place, so I'm just wondering, how many of you are girls/women? There is something about this problem, that hits us girls so deeply, and in such a unique way. It just struck me reading through the forums, I could just tell that so many of the entries were from you, I could sense myself in you, in your stories. The stories of a secret sisterhood. The daily struggle of our captivating beauty, inside and out, being locked away inside ourselves. And sometimes don't we feel to blame? We are the ones who do this to ourselves. We are the ones who are ashamed and hide it. But you know what? Other people may not understand it. Other people want to help us so they say just get out there and live anyway. I finally understood what that meant to me in therapy a few weeks ago when I told my therapist: "I dont want to!" It's okay girls. Other people will try to help and many will succeed`, but they can never understand. So I wanted to let all of my girls know, I hear you. I UNDERSTAND. I read people explaining their habits and saying 'Oh sorry thats gross, or thats disgusting what I do" . I think we should stop. I feel your pain sister-friend. You don't have to say its gross or disgusting to me. The world might be repulsed but I can hear anything from you. I may wear a different size and walk them to different places, but I am in your shoes. It is so hard for us to feel truly beautiful, and not just because of our society today, it is an aspect of this struggle that is what bonds us girls together. Sisters, we can share with each other what we may never share with others, but we should always be validated here. Who on here is female? Will you be willing to offer a place of safety, encouragement and validation for our sisters in pain? There are some things that only us girls can offer one another, we all walk our own path alone, but its always nice to know someone is on their path right next to yours (especially if they have really cute shoes you want to borrow =) ).