Okay, so, I’ve been seeing this person for a while now, and things were going pretty good. I mean, as good as they can be when you’re dating someone who’s been through some seriously tough stuff. I knew going in that they had a history of trauma, but I figured, hey, love conquers all, right? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that, turns out.
First, I started by educating myself as much as possible about trauma and its effects. I read articles, watched some videos – basically, I immersed myself in learning everything I could. I needed to understand what my partner was dealing with, not just on a surface level, but really get it.
Then I focused on being patient. Like, really patient. Some days were better than others, and there were times when my partner would just shut down or get triggered by something that seemed so small to me. I learned not to take it personally, and to just be there, you know? I would offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just space if that’s what they needed. It was tough sometimes, not gonna lie, but I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t about me.
Communication became super important. We started having these open and honest conversations about their triggers, their boundaries, and what they needed from me. It wasn’t always easy, and sometimes these talks would bring up a lot of pain, but it was necessary. We slowly built this foundation of trust, where they felt safe enough to share their feelings without fear of judgment.
I also made sure to take care of myself. Dating someone with trauma can take a toll on you, too. So, I started seeing a therapist myself, just to have a space to process my own feelings and make sure I wasn’t burning out. It’s like they say on airplanes – you gotta put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.
- Educating myself about trauma.
- Practicing patience and empathy.
- Maintaining open communication.
- Prioritizing both my partner’s needs and my own.
Here are some things that I did:
It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. There have been ups and downs, good days and bad days. But through it all, I’ve learned so much about myself, about my partner, and about the power of love and support. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. We’re still figuring things out, but I’m hopeful for the future. We’re taking it one day at a time, and that’s okay. Love doesn’t always conquer all, but it sure does make the fight a whole lot easier.
