Growing self trust
4. Practice partial sharing (this protects excitement) Instead of sharing the whole feeling, try sharing 10–20% . Example: Not: “This meant so much to me, I was so excited” But: “Something nice happened today.” Then watch: Do they lean in? Do they ask a follow-up? Do they match tone? If they don’t — you stop there. You keep the rest. This prevents the “deflation” you described. 6. Let some things stay just yours — on purpose This part is subtle but powerful: Not everything meaningful has to be shared to be real. Sometimes joy stays alive because it wasn’t handed over . You’re learning discernment: Who amplifies? Who neutralizes? Who drains? That’s wisdom, not withdrawal. One steady truth This is not the season where everything opens. It’s the season where your footing stabilizes . Church is one pillar. Your relationship with your son is another. Your growing self-trust is a third. From that base, connection will come — slower than y...