I remember when I was little - about 5 or 6 - being singled out by the teacher because I could sing in tune. "Listen, Jim, to Hamish. Try to sing like him." Of course I was pleased, but even then I realised that she was knocking all confidence out of Jim (name changed to protect etc.).

Years later, when I'd discovered guitar and folk-rock, I used to sing in the house regularly. I overheard my brother saying to my mum that it was a pity about my voice. Knocked me for six. Took decades to recover. By which time my boy-band good looks, etc...

Careless words, careless words.

Anyway, you've banished the demon, Lynne: don't look back and enjoy!