We don’t realize how often our unhealed self goes on the date for us. Here’s what unresolved trauma looks like when it tries to “protect” you in dating, but ends up blocking real connection instead. 1. Checking the message but not replying yet That moment of hesitation isn’t you being “chill.” It’s your nervous system stalling for safety, afraid to say the wrong thing, afraid to want too much. 2. Pretending you’re busy so they don’t think you care too much You crave connection but perform detach

After the divorce, my ex-husband sneered, “You won’t get a single cent, leech. I’ve hired the best lawyer in town!” His mother added mockingly, “Pathetic woman—couldn’t even give us a child.” I didn’t argue. Instead, I calmly handed him a copy of our prenuptial agreement. “Are you sure you read it all?” I asked sweetly. “Of course I did,” he scoffed. I smirked. “Then you clearly skipped page six.” He snatched the papers, eyes scanning quickly—then froze... The air in the cold, expensive law offi