I am talking to a friend, we are talking about our issues. I mention alexithymia, something I experience. She is delighted that someone else understands that. We talk about our thoughts and experiences and how no-one understands what it's really like. We hug and hold each other close. I feel the pressure of her hands beneath my shoulderblades, pulling me tight. Her head is buried into my shoulder. I talk to her, explain my thoughts on how it is better, and that we have each other, and a thousand other things that make people feel better. I'm always good at this, and I say the words I know she genuinely believes them and feels safe, feels that I am sincere and genuinely care about her. I like this, it makes me feel like a good person even though I might not be. It's a skill, to be able to talk well and with confidence to seem so authentic - and the thoughts are authentic, but they're not genuine.