my fear, I say, "Yeah, let's go back to Nick's."

oOo

I am surprised to see only three people in the room, not including Joe. I relax a little because I feel more comfortable with a smaller group of individuals. Sitting next to me are a husband and wife, and at the other end of the table is a young girl, maybe twenty years old. Once everyone is comfortable and served coffee and cake, Joe begins.

"Looks like we have a small group tonight. I'd like to keep the names on a first name basis because I feel it lets you speak freely. Tonight I would like to discuss body image. What are your thoughts on body image and dealing with the perceptions of others?"

Jenny, the young girl at the endlater, she disengages herself from me and wipes her face with shaking hands.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to blubber all over you. I'm just tired of holding in how I feel."

"It's okay, Jenny. Will you be here next week?"

"Yes. I think I need help."

"Then, this is where you need to be."

"Yeah."

oOo

That was intense," Rebecca says as we walk to my car.

"Yes, it was, and I am glad that you came with me tonight. All of this emotional shit gets to me sometimes."

"Of course, it does. Guys, in general, are not good at expressing how they feel."

"I always kept how I felt to myself. It's not easy for me spilling my emotional guts for everyone to see."

"Will you always share how you feel with me?"

"Yeah. I knew almost immediately that