Happy Home, Unhappy Home
This is sometimes why home isn’t always the happiest place in the world. We go there to let off steam, to let pretenses and expectations fall. It’s where we can be ourselves. It is where we find out whether that self is really all that nice or not.
But what happens when you can’t be yourself at home? What if you have to hide some secret that would ruin your life if it got out? What if you can’t behave naturally due to another person in the home being judgmental or abusive or hurtful? It seems that when you are hiding, protecting yourself or fearful, that anxiety is going to come out somehow. Internalized it might become illness, addiction, self-loathing. Externalized it might become abusive, meanness or confusion. Whatever it becomes it will likely show itself in the home, and it won’t be pretty.
Are you able to be yourself at home?
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Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman
Quote by Anonymous
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I just this week left an abusive home and moved into a new apartment and I am happier than a pig in mud. Sleeping like a baby…
Wow Sidney, that is great that you are out and on your own. Amazing what a little peace can do for your health and happiness!
I can be myself at home now that I live with my sister who knows me better than anyone. I don’t feel anxiety because we have no real secrets and we’re emotionally honest. My marriage, on the other hand, contained secrets the Petagon wouldn’t be able to keep. I may not have my own home yet (it’s being contested for the third time) but when I do, I’ll relish the privacy.
Julie, it sucks that you aren’t able to be in your own place, but hopefully it won’t last too much longer!