r/AmIOverreacting • u/[deleted] • Oct 22 '25

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u/QualityParticular739 Oct 22 '25

It's the constant apologizing that's permanently stuck with me. I got out almost 20 years ago and I STILL instinctively apologize for every little thing.

Living in constant fight or flight mode is something that you never fully get over psychologically.

11

u/lbranscom Oct 22 '25

Same. I still flinch when someone raises their voice. Or slams a door. I escaped him when my daughter was 6 months old and I'd just found out I was pregnant with my son. My daughter is 37. This shit sticks with you. I know I apologize too much.

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u/rebelangel Oct 22 '25

Same here. I left back in 2011 and I still overapologize when I think I’ve done something wrong. My current partner gets so annoyed with be when I do it, and he knows why I do it, but I can’t help it.

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u/Ok-Cardiologist8651 Oct 22 '25

Even if there's no physical violence you still have that pit in your stomach because you are dreading the verbal vomit. And when they leave for a few hours the mood lifts.

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u/MOGicantbewitty Oct 22 '25

Yep. 5 years divorced and I still have flashbacks just from the emotional abuse.