I don’t think people realise how much of your personality can disappear when you don’t feel emotionally safe around someone. I become quieter. More careful with my words. Less playful, less expressive, less willing to let myself be seen. You’ll still know me. You’ll still recognize my face, hear my voice, and know the basic version of who I am. But you won’t know the version of me that comes out when I feel completely safe. The loud, silly, affectionate, unfiltered version that doesn’t have to think twice before being herself. What looks like a change in personality is simply a person becoming smaller because they no longer feel safe enough to be fully themselves.
A Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the days of battle, be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.