A life changing event... In a negative way.

[Astrid]

Definitely agree with a lot of what has been said.

Aging in general does change us, along with significant events, both good and bad. The filters that we see life through change. I know for me, I already saw life through different filters than the majority and life events have added and removed other filters to make me even more different.

Totally get the FB thing. I am very reserved. It takes emotional energy I just don't have to put more out there and deal with the feedback. Not sure if you have read the Spoon theory, it is often used in relation to long term illness, but I apply it to myself and emotional energy. It might be something that resonates with you and how you are feeling right now.

ETA: typing whilst Jennifer13 posted. I completely resonate with that post

[LionsandBears]

I use the Spoon theory as a metaphor for dealing with grief and depression too. It's not like life doesnt keep happening as well. So you deal with a major event that knocks you to the ground and then have to deal with day to day life, good and bad. It takes precious energy. I dont always get to choose when I have enough energy to deal with what I have to. I've learnt to stop criticising myself for that.

[Trillian]

I think we all get to that point where we realise life is unfairly far too short to be superficial. I've got a zero tolerance for bull**** these days and I think part of that is just because I'm getting older. But I think that what you may have experienced as part of growing older has been compounded by what's happened these past few years. You're still finding your 'new normal' hun Like you say though, on the inside you are still the same person we know and love, you can't change what makes you intrinsically YOU. I don't think anyone is going to say you've changed, certainly not in a bad way.