Military Spouse
No Result
View All Result
  • Life
    • Moving
    • News
    • Discounts
  • 2023 MFE
  • Milspouse-owned
    • Open A Franchise
  • Employment
    • Virtual Job Fair
    • Get Hired Workshop
    • Military Spouse Careers
  • Education
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • November / December
    • September / October
    • July / August
    • May / June
    • March / April
    • January / February
    • All Magazines
  • Money & More
    • Navy Mutual
  • Resources
G.I. JOBS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR   |   Apr 27
RESERVE MY TICKET
Military Spouse
No Result
View All Result

I Have Friendship PTSD

Megan Brown by Megan Brown
in Life
0
Two women sitting down and leaning on each other while they look out over the water.

It is also important to note that, while this article is light-hearted in nature, it in no way seeks to diminish the devastating effects of clinically defined PTSD. I realize that it is a far stretch to compare diagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to a broken platonic relationship. However, in an honest attempt to illustrate the deep wounds and lasting pain broken friendships can cause, the two terms were used interchangeably. If you, or someone you love, suffers from PTSD, contact your local installation readiness group, as there are many resources and tools to help build resiliency, find balance, and gain support.

We all have “that one” friendship. You know, the one where it is difficult to mention the other person by name without getting a shiver down your spine. Things went south and there was no hope of recovery.

Now, you find yourself avoiding others and promising yourself that “It will NEVER happen again.” Never again will you let yourself be vulnerable or compromised emotionally. Not today.

That was the case for me.

A few years back, I met another military spouse through a mutual friend. We enjoyed each other’s company, had a few laughs, and spent many a day frolicking through the aisles at Target (with a hot coffee in hand). Soon after, we began to share our dreams, our hopes, and our struggles. I opened up about my fears, and so did she. We connected.

As the friendship developed, things got deep. We were spending a significant amount of time together and we just knew that this friendship would stand the test of time. Looking back, I can see where things began to unravel. But, during our time together, these “red flags” seemed small and insignificant. I can’t deny that some of the flags were my own shortcomings and misgivings, but they were flags nonetheless.

Things eventually came boiling to a head. Boundaries were crossed, harsh words were lobbed like grenades, and the friendship imploded. Rumors began flying. The shrapnel of lies and slander cut through me. Grasping for control and balance seemed like an impossibility. I became anxious, as close friends chose sides, and the effects rippled through our community, almost as a boulder tossed into a lake.

The pain was excruciating. How could someone so close to me be so determined to destroy my character? Was our argument so cataclysmic that the fallout should be so devastating?

I responded with a total shut-down. No more vulnerability for me. It was unsafe. New people that entered into my space would be met with limited kindness and would stay outside of an “arm’s reach.” There would be no more sharing and no more deep connection. It certainly wasn’t worth the trouble.

This went on for the better part of a year, where I scrutinized people’s motives and analyzed their actions. I was irritable, hyper vigilant about what I shared with others, and distant. Certain nuances about a person would cause me to be triggered. I would constantly ask myself “Would this person be capable of doing the same thing to me?”

Page 1 of 2
12Next
Previous Post

After Three Decades, One Senior Spouse Reflects on What Helped Her Thrive as a Military Spouse

Next Post

Oscar Predictions: Who Do You Think Will Win?

Next Post
Oscar Predictions: Who Do You Think Will Win?

Oscar Predictions: Who Do You Think Will Win?

Recommended

Partners in PROMISE’s Annual Survey Examines Special Education Student Outcomes

Partners in PROMISE’s Annual Survey Examines Special Education Student Outcomes

2 days ago
12 Memes to Get You Through PCS Season

12 Memes to Get You Through PCS Season

3 weeks ago
Educated, Qualified & Unemployed

Educated, Qualified & Unemployed

1 month ago
Marco Polo App Improves Communication for Military Families

Marco Polo App Improves Communication for Military Families

2 months ago

Terms of Use
Our Team
Advertise
Newsletter
Submit an Article
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Compliance

Winter 2023

Military Spouse Winter 2023 Cover

Copyright © 2023 Military Spouse

Life

2023 MFE

Employment

Education

News

Discounts

Moving

Sitemap

  • Life
  • 2023 MFE
  • Milspouse-owned
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Magazine
  • Money & More
  • Resources
No Result
View All Result
  • Life
    • Moving
    • News
    • Discounts
  • 2023 MFE
  • Milspouse-owned
    • Open A Franchise
  • Employment
    • Virtual Job Fair
    • Get Hired Workshop
    • Military Spouse Careers
  • Education
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • November / December
    • September / October
    • July / August
    • May / June
    • March / April
    • January / February
    • All Magazines
  • Money & More
    • Navy Mutual
  • Resources

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.