JEANNE
I have had herpes for ten years. My male friend of 23 yrs. continually rides my back about the "bad choices" I have made in my past. I love him dearly as a friend, father-figure, big brother and pal but he drives me up the wall because I don't live up to his standards. I have come a long way in 10 yrs. but that doesn't seem to be good enough for him. I have voiced how I feel but it apparently it falls on deaf ears. He hurts my feelings by being this way to me. I have told him that to encourage someone to do better is to not bring up the past and point out the fact that they made mistakes. That only brings down the self-esteem. I am 53 and scared to death that I will live the rest of my life alone. I would like very much to have a 'significat other' to share life with. My friend makes me feel like that will never happen. Any encouraging words would be appreciated. Thank you, Jeanne