WE WERE TAUGHT TO BE PRETTY, NOT PRESENT

We Were Taught to Be Pretty, Not Present

From an early age, many of us learned how to pose, please, and polish. We were complimented for being quiet, rewarded for being polite, and praised when we were pretty. But rarely were we taught to be present— in our bodies, our emotions, or our desires. ???? The Performance Begins Early Being “pretty” wasn’t just about appearanc

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The High of Being Chosen: When Validation Becomes the Drug

There’s a rush—a powerful, intoxicating feeling— when someone looks at us and says, “You matter. I want you.” Being chosen can light us up inside, filling a deep hunger for acceptance and belonging. ⚡ The Buzz of Validation Validation feels like a drug because it triggers pleasure centers in the brain, releasing dopamine—th

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Can You Touch Me Without Taking Me? Consent Beyond the Obvious

Consent is often thought of as a clear “yes” or “no,” a boundary that must be crossed or respected. But real consent lives in the subtle spaces in between — in the dance of touch, presence, and mutual respect. ???? The Complexity of Consent Consent isn’t just about permission to act. It’s about honoring the whole person —

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Too Exposed to Relax: When Intimacy Triggers the Nervous System

Intimacy is often described as a safe space— a place where vulnerability is welcomed, and trust allows us to lower our defenses. But what happens when being close feels like danger? When the very act meant to soothe instead lights up our nervous system in alarm? ⚠️ The Body’s Alarm Bells For many, intimacy doesn’t automatically

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