Dealing with Past Trauma in a Relationship

When I lost a child, I withdrew from everyone entirely for a period of years. I was zero contact with anyone, save for health professionals for my surviving daughter, her dad only because we lived together, and rarely, my sister. When I finally was ready to come back around, I some were gone for good and had no understanding for why I had been so absent. The ones who remained, though, had profound compassion for what I had been through and did their best to be there for me moving forward. Express how you are feeling and what you need, and then be ready to let go of anyone who can't understand, or can't allow you your comfort. You will be better off for it, even if it's hard to do. There will always be people there and willing to offer genuine love and the type of support you truly need.

It’s so hard to talk about trauma with those who don’t understand, I totally feel that. I would say be very firm with where you are at. Let them know that healing takes time, especially from significant trauma. Not everyone will understand but there are people who are willing to learn even if they don’t understand. ❤️