but, Lori, our ED's may make us feel "strong" when we restrict because of that feeling of control we have. This attempt to maintain our control feeds on itself to the point we feel weak when we actually do things that are healthy and nurturing. For me, it's that vulnerable place that is exposed when I am trying to be healthy and not rely on my ED to cover my anxiety about life or past hurts, etc...I wouldn't say we are weak when we use our ED's to cope, because that has a negative feel to it, but I would say we are utilizing strength when we plow through life WITHOUT using our ED as a coping mechanism. I don't think any of us are weak. I think we work overtime to survive. tracy