8 Things You Think Are Normal (But Are Actually Trauma Responses):

- Saying "sorry" constantly You apologize for things that aren't your fault, even for existing sometimes, because you learned that being small, agreeable, and invisible kept you safe. - Feeling guilty when you rest You can't relax without a sense of shame creeping in. Rest feels wrong because you were taught your worth came from doing, fixing, performing, not just being. - Being fiercely independent You don't trust others to show up, so you rely only on yourself. Vulnerability feels like weakness, because needing others once meant getting hurt. You don't even know HOW to ask for help. - Feeling responsible for how everyone else feels You anticipate other people's reactions before your own needs even register. You grew up managing adult emotions, so now you're wired to over-function. - Struggling to receive love or compliments You flinch at genuine kindness or connection. Deep down, part of you believes it won't last, or that if people really knew you, they'd leave.