It probably ends up hurting me more, but I isolate or find ways to actively hide that vulnerability. The times in my life I've been openly vulnerable have led, by and large, to people no longer staying in my life or to that vulnerability being exploited. It's hard to trust others.

I find a small, dark place to hide in. Curl up in there with my baby blanket and cry for a good long while. It feels safe to hide in that kind of place, my baby blanket has been through everything with me so it’s also comforting. Sometimes I’ll bring my childhood teddy bear (her name is Blueberry) with me too.

In a blanket fort being held by my girlfriend and then we hotbox.

Keep harmful ones away by saying no more often. You have the right to sleep.

I hide in a safe space