I’ve been working on unmasking, and have found that one of my biggest challenges is people getting too close to me. When my (now ex) friend used the term “best friend” I freaked out because it felt too intimate. When a guy asked me out, I - again - freaked out and said no as politely as I could - not because I didn’t like him, but again, simply because it felt too intimate. I think I automatically shut down when anybody (aside from my parents/sister) used a term that makes our relationship seem too real/personal because I’m afraid of them getting close enough to me that either they see through my mask or end up hating me when I try to unmask (the ex friend I mentioned earlier went with the second option). Has anyone else experienced something similar? Does anyone have some tips to help me with this? Thank you all so much!

Posted by SleepyBear at 2025-02-02 20:04:43 UTC