Deep down though I see they’re being genuine now and not like people in the past so how do I break down these walls and feel safe and comfortable telling people about what’s on my mind, what concerns me in life, my goals, my fears, etc. ?
For example when people ask what’s new, any plans for the summer, how are you I just say good/well/same old same old then quickly divert the attention back on them and instead ask them about themselves.
I worry that since I don’t share enough about myself that is why people do not feel a connection with me enough to want to keep a bond and/nor think of me down the road when it comes to hanging out or reaching out.
1 comment
From an Internal Family Systems lens, it sounds like there’s a part of you that learned to keep responses brief to survive a hard time. That part of you is interacting with the world as if you’re still in the past.
Be gentle with that part of you that wants to keep you safe and as you feel more safe in situations, you’ll get better at opening up. Even if you only say a little bit more than usual, celebrate those small wins and it’ll get easier with practice 🙂