Girlfriends parents invited me to move in with them, but I’m scared to go to the kitchen or do anything when they’re home?

OP clearly said he struggles even been SEEN by family members. Do you think it’d be easy to have a face to face discussion about his feelings and his place in their home? Probably not.

OP, I can completely resonate with where you are coming from. I too had an abusive parent and moved from home to home, even homeless. Also lived with my boyfriend at his family’s home. It is awkward. You do feel embarrassed to exist at all, let alone in the presence of people you perceive to be kind and generous (probably subconsciously seeing them as above you in regards to being worthy, acceptable). You feel that way because of trauma, and that is normal and okay.

Thinking kindly of yourself can be helpful. Almost as if you are not taking care of yourself, but a really good friend. They deserve it, don’t they?Just remember! They would not have invited you into their home if you were not welcome. Chances are they feel honored and humbled to help another human being, and can’t wait for the day you are comfortable taking care of yourself in a healthy, compassionate way..versus the “is it okay to take care of myself right now?” Yes it is. You matter, fellow human. Best of luck.

/r/socialskills Thread Parent