"My mother claims that the first time I said more than one word at a time, I skipped the two-word combinations altogether and went right to "Do it self." Yes, thank you very much, I will do it myself. I do not want to need anyone else. After years of therapy and twelve-step work, I've finally realized that trying not to need others isn't about strength and independence; it's about fear. To allow myself to need someone else is to put myself in a position to be betrayed or made to look weak. Not that this realization ever really helps me in the moment. I want to "do it self."