If you are going to help me...
1. Please be patient while I decide if I can trust you.
2. Let me tell you my story. At my own pace and in my own way.
3. Please accept (and help me to accept) that whatever I may have done, whatever I may do is the best I have to offer and seemed right at the time.
4. I am not a stereotype. I am unique and special. Listen to my needs.
5. I am having a hard time with self judgement. Don't judge me as right or wrong, bad or good. I am learning to cope on this journey and those feelings shut me down (see 3) .