'I believe you' is more one of the most powerful things you can tell me

[kyliebryant]

Being treated as an unreliable narrator of your own life as the youngest child is the MOST relatable thing I’ve ever heard.

[hereholdthiswillya]

For me it's not about my honesty being questioned. It's when my reality is questioned that i lose it.

[Whoafreezeframe]

I’m an oldest child but I feel this. When I take off sick from work it takes everything in me to not explain every last detail about how I’m sick and need the day off because I’m so afraid they won’t believe I need the day.

[emilyperkins]

This is why it is so important to us that our 5yo knows we believe him. We make sure to tell him, "I believe you, " when he tells us things.

[sweetnsalty]

i see you, i hear you, and mostly importantly


i believe you ❤

[ptardieubaker]

Oldest child here but life long gaslighting. I've been told all my life I'm someone I'm not and being believed feels vital to me ❤

[lindahoffman]

“I was deemed an Unreliable Witness to my Own Life” OMG Elyse, those words RESONATE with SO MANY WOMEN in so many ways!! Hearing you speak them actually gave me CHILLS because it’s how so many of us have been MARGINALIZED to the point where we actually doubt OURSELVES and our experiences and feelings!! ❤️💕🌹

[ejc]

It took me years to realize how much I distrusted myself because I was raised in an environment that didn’t validate my truth. This is very relatable ❤

[PhreeSoul]

As another neurodivergent adhd-brain I totally relate. I hate it when people treat my words with suspicions. I found out long time ago that I am such a bad liar that there is no point in even trying.

I feel like neurotypicals are much better liars, and they lie more because of it too. And then they project their own dishonesty on others.

And when the target of suspicions is me, I feel extra annoyed, because I am most of the time the most honest person they have met!

[reirei]

I'm an oldest child, but I felt this to my core. So much of my life I have spent frustrated, angry, and alone, because people don't take me seriously. Thank you for putting it into words

[karlylarson]

Damn... I was the oldest, but this hits home for me. Nothing fills me so with so much despair and rage as having my experiences, integrity and honesty questioned or doubted. Similarly, even if another's truth is inconvenient or hurtful, I hate it when people deflect, lie, or sugar-coat. You are not alone.

[nunnyabznz]

As an eldest, I feel the same. I think anyone who grew up being constantly invalidated feels this way.

[PaxPixie]

You're not alone! You're not being dramatic! You are believed! This isn't a "youngest child" problem. It's a "lack of parental validation" or "parental gaslighting" problem. I'm the oldest and I would rather be stung to death by bees than be called a liar or disbelieved. I was raised by an extremely narcissistic mom and an emotionally ignorant dad so gaslighting was a constant.

You're basically Rapunzel from Tangled. She doesn't care about being seen as ugly or weird or "un-ladylike". She just cares about being SEEN. The main duet/song is literally about seeing the other person. The lyrics aren't "I love you" but "I SEE you.". Those words are so powerful to someone raised by a narcissist like "Mother" Gothel.

[dextermorgan]

I’m the youngest of 4. My siblings are 18, 17, and 10 years older than me. This has been my entire life. My entire family believes other peoples narrations of my life and don’t even ask me for the truth. It’s 100% debilitating. I feel you and I believe you.

[sofiabonaccorso]

I've been dealing with learning disorders, mental issues and chronic pain all my life. Family, classmates, teachers, doctors never ever believed me, not even those who called themselves "friends".
When I started dating my partner I used to hide those issues because I couldn't bear any more shame. But then I told him the truth and now, after 5 years together, he always tells me "I believe you, and even if it was just in your head doesn't mean it doesn't matter or hurt". I cry every time he tells me, because I finally feel heard.

[darthapple]

Traumatized oldest kid here, and was always told I was lying about every little thing. One of the things I say a lot when others are struggling or upset now is "I believe it." Being believed about our own experiences is so important.

[DanielledeVreede]

As a fellow youngest sibling and neurodivergent person, yes, this. Mine may not be as intense as yours, but I felt this in my bones

[iFINNIX]

I feel this so intensely. There’s a certain sense of self justice I just can’t let slip passed if someone lies about me

[froggymadi]

hey! neurodivergent person with adhd and autism here. i have not heard someone articulate this feeling as well as you have and i understand completely. it'll be okay, i believe you <3

[paulakaye]

You are not alone.
Those of us who know and “have the audacity” to speak of “uncomfortable truths” are with you in solidarity.
Sending Light and Love❤