When you’ve lived through abuse, manipulation, or betrayal, your nervous system becomes finely tuned to detect danger. Neuroscience shows that trauma reshapes the brain:
- The amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) becomes hyperactive, always scanning for threats.
- The hippocampus, which helps us separate past from present, can blur lines — making old fears feel alive in new situations.
- The prefrontal cortex, responsible for logic and decision-making, often gets hijacked by survival instincts.
This is why “games” — mixed signals, emotional hot-and-cold, silent treatments, disappearing acts — are not just frustrating for survivors. They’re destabilizing. These behaviors reawaken the nervous system’s alarms, pulling you back into survival mode, where trust collapses and self-doubt takes over.
But here’s the truth: real love is not a guessing game. 💡
Healthy relationships regulate the nervous system instead of inflaming it. They feel consistent, safe, and clear. Instead of triggering hypervigilance, they calm it. Instead of keeping you guessing, they offer honesty and stability.
After trauma, one of the greatest acts of self-love is refusing to engage with people who play games. Protecting your peace is not being “too sensitive” — it’s honoring the deep, hard-earned wisdom of your brain and body.
✨ Healing means choosing clarity over chaos, truth over manipulation, and safety over thrill. Because you deserve a love that feels like home, not like a battlefield.
