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Narcissistic & emotionally abusive relationships
Walking on eggshells
The exhausting work of managing someone else's reactions.
Feeling like you have to constantly monitor your tone, your words, or your timing to avoid someone's reaction is exhausting, and it's a real pattern that can occur in emotionally abusive relationships.
What did you find yourself managing or anticipating in this relationship — their mood, their reaction, their approval?
How much of your energy went toward staying safe rather than being yourself?
What would it feel like to speak, act, or exist without bracing for a reaction?