A self-awareness guide for survivors of emotional fusion
| Prompt | Enmeshed | Connected |
|---|---|---|
| When I feel something different from the other person… | I feel guilty or anxious. I might hide it. | I can express it. It’s safe to be different. |
| When I make a decision… | I ask: “Will this upset them?” | I ask: “Is this right for me?” |
| When they’re upset… | I feel it’s my job to fix or absorb it. | I feel compassion, but know it’s not my burden. |
| When I want space or alone time… | I feel selfish or afraid of being abandoned. | I know space helps us both grow. |
| When I set a boundary… | I fear they’ll get angry or withdraw love. | I feel empowered to protect my peace. |
| When we disagree… | It feels dangerous. I may shut down or fawn. | It’s okay. We can work through it. |
🧭 Key takeaway:
If you’re constantly overriding your own needs to keep peace, that’s not connection — that’s enmeshment.
Healing starts with separating empathy from emotional responsibility.
