Disagreements Make Me Feel Irrelevant
During disagreements with people I'm closest to, I feel bad and lash out when I'm not acknowledged. This behavior has resulted in damaging relationships with my kids and nearly getting me divorced. I feel like if I don't get heard enough, other people will "walk all over me" and that my point of view seems irrelevant to them.
@tallGrapefruit5781
I can understand the frustration of not feeling heard by the people we're closest to. It is invalidating to feel like you aren't heard or that what you say is irrelevant. I imagine it hurts a great deal to feel like they are walking all over you and why you might lash out because of your feelings and thoughts are dismissed. Do you feel like you are being heard during times when there is no disagreement happening? Ideally, what would you like from your family to help you feel heard and validated in disagreements? Would you feel comfortable telling your family what support you need from them in order to feel heard and respected?
@tallGrapefruit5781 I am sorry you are not feeling heard in your relationships. Maybe try to work on using "I statements" which allows you to express how you feel in an assertive but nonviolent way. A counselor could help you learn more about how to communicate effectively and practice too.
