This was a story I shared a couple weeks ago. I am out of the depressed mode mentioned here. As the year ends I notice that I have become a "kind stranger" to others. What a big change from being a codependent person! I love being in touch with my authentic self. Whenever I get closer to someone, I find it difficult to resist enmeshment. I got so used to attune to the other person. I lose myself. This defense mechanism served me well when I felt like a stranger while living in Taiwan, US and Turkey. It helped me build relationships. Slowly, my deep need to be approved and loved disappeared. Just being acknowledged as a fellow human being and as an artist are more than enough. Social media is more than enough to inspire and get inspired without being too close to anyone. A kind stranger, ANQI, wishes you an authentic new year. . . . . . PS: My hubby Yaman is an exception to the "kind stranger" rule. It still took me more than 8 years to be comfortable with being myself ar...