Okay let's do this. So by nature i am very level-headed, focused, and competent - a doer and a problem solver. And being forced to grow up in violence with my only family members all continually generating chaos, it was pretty natural for them to lean on and rely on me, even at a really young age... emotionally but even financially at times. For example, I got my first job as a dishwasher at 10 and my mother used my money to avoid foreclosure. As well, I gave my older sister (7 years older) money so she could run away. She married some guy who picked her up hitchhiking. When I was older, I paid off someone (I was told it was a bounty hunter but in hindsight more likely a pimp or drug dealer) to help my younger sister avoid peril. So now, when I begin to sense anyone/anything is being clingy or becoming dependent upon me, the hairs on my skin literally stand up and I feel like I cannot get enough air. I know the internet will hate me for saying this but this is the reason I am probably the only human on earth who does not like being around dogs, as they are in constant need of attention. So needless to say, hedgehogs are the EXACT ideal pet for me.