Don't be so dramatic.
My 'dramatic' is just my nervous system reporting the facts of the situation at full volume.
What it made you think
My feelings are wrong, too big, and a burden to others. I am fundamentally broken for experiencing the world this intensely.
The True Story
The intensity of your feelings is not a character flaw. It is a sign that your system is working exactly as it was designed to.
What is happening in your system?
A wave of shame and invalidation hits, triggering an immediate instinct to either shut down completely (freeze) or get louder to prove that the feeling is real (fight).
What changes in you...
You learn to stop sharing vulnerable emotions with this person. Over time, you begin to mask your feelings instinctively around them, showing only a muted, 'acceptable' version of yourself.
How can I navigate this in the moment?
A few ways to respond when this lands. Take whichever feels right, or none at all.
The Low-Battery Out
I'm having a real feeling right now.
The Honest Explanation
I understand this looks big from the outside, but it feels this big on the inside. My system is having a strong reaction.
Drawing the Line
I am not willing to debate the validity of my feelings. I need to step away.
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