You're fine - you just want attention.
My body is screaming, but they're telling me I'm just putting on a show.
What it made you think
My reality is wrong. My pain is a lie, and I am a manipulative, dramatic person for feeling it.
The True Story
What you feel is real, even when other people lack the tools to see it. Your body is the most reliable narrator you have.
What is happening in your system?
A wave of shame hits immediately, causing you to question your own senses. The instinct is to freeze and shut down, because explaining your reality has just been framed as a manipulative act.
What changes in you...
You learn to stop showing any signs of distress around this person. You no longer see them as a safe person to be vulnerable with, so you manage your struggles in silence when they are near.
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
Okay. I need some space.
The Honest Explanation
I know it might not look like it, but I'm having a really hard time right now. What I'm feeling inside is real.
Drawing the Line
Please don't tell me what I'm feeling. I need to step away from this conversation.
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