A lot of us have been told our whole lives that we’re overreacting when we feel hurt. So, when someone treats us in a way that makes us go, “This person isn’t treating me right,” we wind up doubting ourselves and excusing poor, even abusive, behavior.
I discussed this with my therapist, because I have a hard time knowing if my strong emotional reactions are valid. This is what she told me, and it works:
“If someone you love came to you and described this situation, what would you tell them?”
I discussed this with my therapist, because I have a hard time knowing if my strong emotional reactions are valid. This is what she told me, and it works:
“If someone you love came to you and described this situation, what would you tell them?”