Thank you for this response, Tracy. I have had similar experiences, where the topic is too personal and thus I am defensive from the get-go. I am trying to find a balance where I still can be vulnerable, just not TOO vulnerable, and sometimes this involves changing my subject matter or even my manner of introducing it. Today a student complained about the book we are reading, and I was able to take a breath and avoid defending my choice. Instead, I let another student respond back. Thanks for connecting with me, Tracy. It feels better to know there are others out there feeling the same way.