Dear Dr. Romance: I am surrounded by negative people and thoughts

Dear Dr. Romance:

I am writing because I am surrounded by negative people and thoughts, including my family. I have no support structure. I hide from neighbors so people won't ask questions. During the day I am on the computer being as proactive as I can.

My question is I have a very hard time being positive, my self esteem is low and confidence level too. When I date men notice it and it can be a turn off. I don't have the "I can get this" type of attitude. Change is not easy and it doesn't come over night but are there any books you can recommend or tapes I can listen to?

I am on the Internet trying to find someone special to marry someday. I am 48, never married and no children. I am supposedly going to meet someone this weekend. I got sick last weekend so I had to reschedule and we chat online a little bit. I never had the pleasure of enjoying a good relationship much less a good sex life and I would like that too. Thank you in advance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dear Reader:

Yes, if your original family and old friends are bringing you down, it's a good idea to keep your distance until you are strong enough in self-esteem to see that their negativity is their problem, and has nothing to do with you. Your worst enemy, however, is probably yourself. If you listen to your self-talk, you'll realize that you're being as negative toward yourself as your family is. This is the basis of your low self-esteem. The good news is you're not stuck, you can fix it. "Mirrors and Teachers" and "Coping with Critics" will help you handle difficult people, "Attitude: From Negative to Gratitude" will help you change your outlook, and "Your Primary Relationship" will help you improve your relationship with your self - the model for all your other relationships.

It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction has the exercises and information you need to improve your self-esteem, and understand and counteract your family dysfunction.

For low-cost counseling, email me at tina@tinatessina.com