OK, thanks.

My betting does need some work. 3xbb is basically trying to get people to sweeten the pot for me. I keep getting worried I'll scare the money off if I raise too high. The flop bet was probably more indecision, combined with again trying to keep people playing for me. Probably something I need to work on that, last thing I need is for too many people to stay in and risk improved hands.

At that point the guy hadnt been at the table long so I didnt have a good read on him. From memory I was working on the assumption that to still be with me he likely had pocket pairs smaller than mine, and got excited when he saw the 2 8's instead of 2 4's on the table.

Calling on the River was basically based on the thinking that nothing had changed since the Turn, so if I went with him there, I should go again now.

I do have a habit of betting, and particularly calling more than I should. I'm trying to work on it, but its a hard habit to break.