And sometimes it's much nicer to hang out with a pack of pitbulls than it is with humans. Pitbulls tend to be much nicer sometimes. :-p

I had to learn to defend myself at an early age as well. My dad used to beat on us but of course, siblings being siblings, my older sister used to whoop me too. lol... The end result is that I too am sometimes very timid and prefer sticking to the shadows rather than basking in the limelight. I struggle with that still.

It sounds though like you've been able to find a place where you're comfortable in your own body. Which is an awesome thing. And I can't believe that your "friend" made you cry on a day like that, for expressing your emotions at something so traumatic. It's people like that who make me think that the whole Christian/Lion wasn't such a bad idea. :-p