Please, call me Izzy. :)

Gonzalez is what my high school teachers used to shriek at me when they’d catch me smoking in the classroom or something.

I’m glad you got so much from my response — truth be told, I wasn’t going for wise so much as gentle. I’m a very defensive and resisting and stubborn person, and I’m constantly screwing up and feeling like I’m in some vicious traumatic loop of my own devising — and when I feel like that, I need gentleness.

You said this came at a good time for you — I’m actually kind of speechless as to how satisfying it feels to have been helpful. Of course the nosy, pushy me is like, “So… how did what I said help you, exactly? What shit hit your fan?” but I think I’ll let this feeling of satisfaction satiate me, (unless and) until you think you want to open up on Medium to a complete stranger.

Thank you for your kindness and understanding — I hope you give yourself the same compassion you have shown me.