Dear Carrie:

As children we believe whatever our parents tell us. Your parents told you that you overreacted. But it was probably not true, most likely, it was NOT true. Most likely it was your parents who didn’t feel comfortable with emotions. It was them who … overreacted, who felt very uncomfortable when you expressed feelings appropriately.

I believe you should take your feelings seriously. And act authentically, not pretend to feel what you don’t.

Again, I don’t believe you sabotaged yourself (title of thread); you were scared. And I don’t believe you overreacted as a child; your parents did. Competent psychotherapy, even short term, can help.

Post anytime.

anita