Health, Mental health and Anxiety: Toxicity

Toxicity

By Emotional Man - 13/10/2022 02:00

Today, I've realized years of my mom and my grandma constantly "jokingly" touching me inappropriately has caused me to develop a defense mechanism where I jump out of my skin whenever anyone touches me unexpectedly, or gives me physical affection in any form. No one believes this when I tell them, because I'm a guy. FML

I agree, your life sucks 1 590

You deserved it 118

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Same thing different taste

By Anonymous - 23/11/2014 17:10 - United States - San Diego

Today, I have to deal with being laughed at by my mother and sister, because they keep making sharp movements towards me, causing me to flinch. This is because I got mugged and beaten last night. They think it's hysterical. FML

I agree, your life sucks 48 864

You deserved it 3 064

Jumpy

By pokemontrainer99 - 17/05/2022 10:00

Today, my mom screamed at me for being startled by her, calling my reaction “unnecessary and extremely rude.” When I tried to explain to her for the millionth time that I startle easily, and it’s involuntary, she told me to “make it voluntary, or else.” I fear what is to come. FML

I agree, your life sucks 912

You deserved it 142

We live in a society

By Anonymous - 03/03/2022 20:59 - United States - Steele

Today, my family and friends have absolutely refused to comprehend that I hate being touched. They think it's because of how unbearably ticklish I am, and they call me a "Drama Queen" for it. I suffer from haphephobia. We live in a society where people who have very real phobias are referred to as "overdramatic." FML

I agree, your life sucks 938

You deserved it 285

By notacreep - 16/05/2009 08:39 - United States

Today, I was at the mall with my girlfriend's family. Her 7 year old brother told me he was feeling sad, so I tried to give him a pat on the back, but it turns out he had a bruise there. He yelled out "don't touch me there!" In the middle of the mall. Now her parents think I'm a pedophile. FML

I agree, your life sucks 52 210

You deserved it 4 074

Cool mom

By hmh - 21/09/2021 08:00

Today, I tried to give my mom a hug, but she pushed me away and yelled at me for trying to hug her while she’s angry. When I asked how I was supposed to know, she replied, “Read my fucking body language, idiot!” I’m diagnosed autistic and she knows it. FML

I agree, your life sucks 1 232

You deserved it 139

CPTSD

By Unknowingly abused - 19/11/2022 21:00 - United States

Today, and almost every day, I find out that something "mean" or morally questionable my parents used to do to me when I was a kid is actually considered abusive. I've now come to the conclusion that I was a victim of pretty much every type of abuse (except for the physical kind) during my childhood. FML

I agree, your life sucks 995

You deserved it 181

By Anonymous - 25/09/2011 10:26 - Singapore

Today, I went out with a guy I really liked for the first time. He tried to hold my hands, only to be stopped by my mum, jumping out from nowhere saying "Oh no you don't!" before slapping him. This isn't the first time this has happened. FML

I agree, your life sucks 45 993

You deserved it 3 673

Fear factor

By I need new friends - 11/10/2022 09:00 - United States

Today, I told my friends that I have haphephobia, the fear of being touched. One of them said, "Why don't you try facing your fears?" and they all held me down and tickled me until they realized my pleas for them to stop were actually genuine when I stopped laughing and started crying… which took several minutes. FML

I agree, your life sucks 1 077

You deserved it 161

Fatherly love

By Anonymous - 27/02/2024 10:00 - Ukraine

Today, I finally had it out with my abusive father. I spent almost an hour detailing about how he constantly humiliates me in public, treats me like slime, and hits me at random when he's in a bad mood. His response was, "Quit being such a wimp" because I'm "not female." Mom took his side. I'm 16 and can't move out. FML

I agree, your life sucks 664

You deserved it 96

Emergency room time

By maya - 09/03/2021 20:01

Today, I was called a "wimp" and a "pussy" for crying and screaming after lightly bumping my hand on a wall. It’s been five hours and it still feels as though my skin is being ripped off the bones in my hand. FML

I agree, your life sucks 698

You deserved it 391

cacheson 41

Thursday 13 October 2022 6:09

I think people are going to miss your sarcasm in this one.

ass 11

Thursday 13 October 2022 11:40

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, OP. I know I'm just a random stranger on the internet, but I do believe you and you deserve so much better than that

Comments

RichardPencil 30

Thursday 13 October 2022 3:15

I don't believe you because they did it jokingly. If they grabbed your genitals in a lewd or lascivious way, I can see why you are traumatized. But they did it jokingly, so you seem like a wuss.

cacheson 41

Thursday 13 October 2022 6:09

I think people are going to miss your sarcasm in this one.

ass 11

Thursday 13 October 2022 11:38

And you seem like an asshole

ass 11

Thursday 13 October 2022 11:40

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, OP. I know I'm just a random stranger on the internet, but I do believe you and you deserve so much better than that

Iifa 7

Thursday 13 October 2022 14:32

I react the same way, because random people have always thought hugging, pinching sides or tapping my shoulder is somehow more appropriate way to get my attention than speak up. Lovingly or jokingly is only when recipient agrees with it otherwise it's is physical harassment. Replace the situation to being a petite woman or a child and the world will immediately react negatively, because you put hands on someone vulnerable. Double standards, I'm sorry you going through this experience.