Feeling self-conscious about fitting in at 18

Hey listen, go easy on yourself. Do not compare yourself to others and don’t pressure yourself to be something you’re not. Be yourself. It’s the healthiest way to live and the best way to attract the right people in your life who will support you and love you. I’m 20 and any time I wasn’t myself things did not go right for me. Take a breath, let go of any expectations you have for yourself and just live. Life is too short to worry about things that don’t matter. As long as you are yourself and you are kind to yourself and others, you are all good.

This actually makes a lot of sense. I just finished reading the book “What Happened To You?” By Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, and in one section they talked about how trama can cause you to be behind in milestones. They told stories about clients he had worked with who were 5 or 10 with social or language skills of a 3 or 5 year old because they had been traumatized and were trying to survive the best they could. I don’t remember all the details, but it does happen. Often my mom (who’s 53) will also feel like a 15-year-old again because I think that was an age when she was traumatized. I’m sorry that you are struggling with feeling bad about it. 😔 Just know it isn’t your fault. There is hope for healing. ❤️