Letter to My Avoidant Self

for the part of me that feared being consumed

Dear Avoidant Me,

I know why you shut down.

Why you felt your chest tighten when someone got too close.

Why love, even when it was good, felt like a risk you weren’t sure you could take.

You weren’t cold—you were cautious.

You learned that opening up meant exposure. That needing someone meant losing control.

So you built quiet walls, kept your feelings folded, and told yourself you were better off solo.

But I know the truth: you were trying to stay safe.

I’m proud of the boundaries you built, even if they turned into distance.

But I also want you to know:

Not everyone wants to take from you.

Not every connection is a trap.

You’re allowed to receive love without disappearing inside it.

You don’t have to run to stay whole.

You don’t have to hide to stay free.

You can breathe inside closeness now—and I’ll be right here if it ever feels like too much.

You’re safe to stay.

With care,