Samurai Equine

So, going into 2020, there's something about myself that I want to improve. And I may need help getting there...

I'm not sure why, but it's really hard for me to openly say the phrase "I love you". 

All my life, I've been told that you only save that phrase for close family members, like your parents, or for people you're in a romantic relationship. I made extra sure to save it for my mother, grandparents, girlfriends, etc.

These days, I come here to this forum, and see friends who have no problem saying it to each other. And they understand that it's a platonic, friendship-kind of love. They don't have to specify it. They don't have to say "I love you as a friend." It's just understood. Part of me wants to be that way, but part of me is afraid someone will misunderstand me or that it'll somehow go wrong.

But I honestly think this is a good place to start opening up more.
I always wanted to be more open, more affectionate, and more caring in general. And I want friends who aren't afraid to be caring and affectionate with me.

Quote

I WILL BATHE IN
A SHOWER OF KISSES
EVERY MORNING !

- Papyrus, Undertale.

Mood.
I don't know if casual friendship kisses are a thing, but it would be nice to be that popular. Don't know if I'm considered "popular" here, but at the very least I feel accepted. I feel like this place has really helped me. So many friends have sent hugs my way, and it just felt wrong not to hug back!  Before long, I was taking part in the "Hug a user" topic and others like it, starting off small at first but gradually tagging more and more people.

Anyways, I think the people I've met here can help me to open up more and be more honest with my feelings. And I'm hoping no one ridicules me for making this status update.  But even if this as far as my personal development goes, even is this is as far out of my shell as I can get, THANK YOU for helping me get this far crowd. I have truly never met a community this caring and this welcoming.