I am interested in the loneliness and isolation that we can feel when we hide feelings we are ashamed of, especially if they concern people that we love.

My parents told me they knew they made lots of mistakes raising us, but that they did their best. Most parents will say something like that at some point, and they are usually right. But I think children also do their best while being raised. Finding family happiness is a fine balancing act.

Don't listen to other people's advice unless it is rooted in irrepressible enthusiasm (e.g., Be afraid but do it anyway), or about the importance of being a good colleague.