When I was younger I missed out on a lot of school/friend activities because I was afraid to be away from my parents. I didn’t go to school, go on field trips, or slumber parties because I was to afraid to stay anywhere besides home. I would cry and hyperventilate excessively. My mind would race with thoughts that something would happen to my parents while I was gone, or my parents would do something fun without me or with somebody else. It was actually really ridiculous. I always wished I could just suck it up for the night and stay at a friends house just like everybody else my age.  But as soon as I tried I was in the bathroom unable to breath at 2 AM, calling my dad to pick me up with tears streaming down my face. My childhood was very simple and confined. I was finally able to break my anxiety of staying away from home at night when I stayed at a friends house. I told myself I was going to stay this time, at 1-2 AM came around and I found myself in another panic. As soon as I reached to call my dad, my friend grabbed my hand and said “stop! You’re going to be okay Kay” we talked for a little bit until she fell asleep, then I cried myself to sleep. I woke up the next morning with an incredible feeling. I actually stayed the night!! Such a silly accomplishment, but it’s something I wanted to do for a long time. After that night I worked my way into staying at other people’s house until I was comfortable enough to not even think twice about it. Don’t get me wrong, I still didn’t like the thought of staying away from my parents but I learned I had to live a little and they would be there when I returned.