Anyone else find that they've come to have no personality as a coping mechanism?

[Question]

At home, it's been trained into me to only say "Yes, mom" and blindly agree with everything Nmom says. Whenever I say anything not completely in favor, I get guilt tripped for not being a better daughter, and gaslighted about all the times I've lied and made stuff up (and how my opinion shouldn't be trusted anyway). Then, whatever I say is called disrespect and backtalk and often I am yelled or cussed out.

As a coping mechanism, I've learned to not engage at all, and blindly agree with everything NMom says. However, I have found that when I am trying to engage with other people I am introverted to the extreme. With friends that I know well, I think that some of my original personality comes through, but with those that I don't know as well, my default is to never talk. In addition, after long breaks and times of seeing NMom, I am noticeable more introverted around my friends as well. It isn't a conscious decision to not talk/ interact with people, but I get an overwhelming irrational fear of their reaction. Anyone that can relate?

Edit: thank you to everyone who has shared their story! It's incredibly validating to hear so many that are in the same boat and that I'm not just making things up. judging by the way that you guys write, you seem like caring, kind individuals that definitely all have a personality worth sharing if we can get passed our inner fear! good luck to everyone here!

Posted Dec 1, 2019, 1:54 PM UTC · edited

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