Read on Twitter
I would amend the 2nd part to say “Your reaction makes sense given what happened to you in the past. But this new, safe situation needs a new response.” When we react we’re trying to protect ourselves but sometimes old defense mechanisms don’t apply & we need to learn new ones https://twitter.com/irunwithlula/status/1342102697697292294
Some of us are so used to feeling unsafe that it’s hard to let our guards down even when it’s safe. But Also! Not all ppl or places are safe! Maybe you’re reacting that way bc your body does detect danger. Don’t punish yourself for your reaction. Seek to learn the why behind them
TW // abuse
For example. I flinch when men yell. No matter the context. I don’t care if you are just yelling at a bunch of stick figure runnin around with a ball or Hey Arnold’s head. I flinch bc of things men have did to me/around me during childhood.
For example. I flinch when men yell. No matter the context. I don’t care if you are just yelling at a bunch of stick figure runnin around with a ball or Hey Arnold’s head. I flinch bc of things men have did to me/around me during childhood.
TW // abuse/DV
When it comes to aggression from cis men, it’s really hard for me to tell when there’s a threat or when there isn’t. I’m still working through that.
When it comes to aggression from cis men, it’s really hard for me to tell when there’s a threat or when there isn’t. I’m still working through that.
TW// abuse/DV
Everytime that a cis man raises their voice does that automatically mean they’re going to hurt me? Probably not. My brain has a hard time differentiating b/w a Super Bowl party & what happened to me as a child. Which is why I flinch. But maybe I can learn
Everytime that a cis man raises their voice does that automatically mean they’re going to hurt me? Probably not. My brain has a hard time differentiating b/w a Super Bowl party & what happened to me as a child. Which is why I flinch. But maybe I can learn
I hope you can see how when trauma happens it can be heard to detect safe vs. unsafe. If this happens to you you are not alone and I know you are doing the best you can with what you have. I hope we can both continue to give ourselves compassion as we heal & grow 
