An estranged family.

We are people that love each other very much, but are unable to effectively express it to each other. I feel like I have been negatively reinforced and conditioned to hold back and close off. I do not get a feeling of importance when I open up or share, like someone has to 1-up me, critize me, or tell their story in the middle of mine. It is definitely not everyone, and probably not all of the time, but I prepare for a shutdown by only having surface oonversations or providing comedic one-liners. I save the deep conversations for God and/or my best friend Chris. It is hard to find someone who is not judgmental, someone who will listen, and someone whose words will paraphrase the Word of God. Sounds like a preacher or a prophet to me, sounds like I might have to find a good church!