Sonia grew up in a household filled with emotional neglect and verbal abuse. Her parents were often absent, both physically and emotionally, leaving her to try to figure out how to deal with things that came up on her own. As a result, Sonia developed a deep fear of abandonment and struggled with trusting others, always bracing herself for abandonment.

In her adult life, these fears seeped into her friendships. When her best friend, Emily, canceled plans at the last minute, Sonia immediately assumed the worst—she was being rejected. Feeling abandoned, Sonia withdrew emotionally, avoiding contact with Emily for days, convinced their friendship was over.

Her response puzzled Emily, who had grown up with healthy displays of affection in her home. Unable to work through the rupture, the girls drifted away, each one blaming the other.

Can you relate to Sonia? I know I can. My trauma history undoubtedly affected my ability to make and maintain friendships. This is especially true when I was young, before I started my healing journey. The slightest slight or perceived abandonment often set my

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