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What Is True Narcissism? Understanding a Term That Society Uses Too Freely

By John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S

Few psychological terms have become as overused in modern society as the word narcissist. Spend a few minutes scrolling through social media, and you are likely to encounter countless videos, articles, and self-proclaimed experts explaining how to identify the narcissists in your life. An ex-spouse is labeled a narcissist. A demanding boss is called a narcissist. A parent who disappointed their child is suddenly a narcissist. Even someone who posts too many selfies may find themselves carrying the label.

The question that deserves attention is simple: What is true narcissism? More importantly, why are we so quick to apply the label to people whose behavior we dislike, misunderstand, or disagree with?

The answer is more complex than most people realize.

The Difference Between Narcissistic Traits and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The first thing we must understand is that narcissism exists on a spectrum. Most people possess at least some narcissistic traits. Healthy self-esteem involves recognizing our strengths, taking pride in our accomplishments, and believing that we are worthy of love and respect. In fact, without a certain degree of self-focus, people would struggle to advocate for themselves, pursue goals, or maintain personal boundaries.

Having confidence does not make someone a narcissist.

Wanting recognition for hard work does not make someone a narcissist.

Feeling hurt when criticized does not make someone a narcissist.

True narcissism becomes problematic when an individual’s need for admiration, validation, and control consistently outweighs their ability to empathize with others. Narcissistic traits become a disorder only when they are rigid, deeply ingrained, and cause significant impairment in relationships, work, and daily functioning.

Many people demonstrate narcissistic behaviors occasionally. Very few meet the clinical criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a recognized mental health condition described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Individuals with NPD typically exhibit a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a strong need for admiration, and a lack of empathy that begins in early adulthood and is present across many areas of life.

Some common characteristics include:

An exaggerated sense of self-importance

Fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, or beauty

A belief that they are special or unique

A need for excessive admiration

A sense of entitlement

Exploitative behavior toward others

Difficulty recognizing or caring about others’ feelings

Envy of others or belief that others envy them

Arrogant or haughty attitudes and behaviors

What is important to understand is that these characteristics are not occasional. They are persistent patterns that influence nearly every significant relationship and interaction.

A person may act selfishly during a stressful period. Another person may struggle to apologize when they feel threatened. Those behaviors alone do not indicate a personality disorder.

Why We Are Labeling Everyone a Narcissist

Human beings naturally search for explanations when relationships become painful. When someone hurts us, disappoints us, or behaves in a way we cannot understand, assigning a label can provide a sense of closure.

The term narcissist often becomes a convenient explanation for complex human behavior.

Instead of saying:

“My partner struggles with accountability.”

“My coworker has poor interpersonal skills.”

“My parent was emotionally unavailable.”

“My friend tends to make everything about themselves.”

We simply say:

“They’re a narcissist.”

The label offers certainty. Unfortunately, certainty is not always accuracy.

The reality is that people can be selfish without being narcissistic. They can be immature without having a personality disorder. They can make harmful decisions without being clinically narcissistic.

Sometimes people act from fear, insecurity, trauma, poor emotional intelligence, or unresolved pain. These explanations may not excuse harmful behavior, but they often provide a more accurate understanding of what is occurring.

The Hidden Insecurity Behind Narcissism

One of the greatest misconceptions about narcissism is that narcissists have extremely high self-esteem. In reality, many individuals with significant narcissistic traits possess surprisingly fragile self-esteem beneath the surface.

The confidence they display is often more like armor than genuine self-worth.

Because their self-image is so vulnerable, they become highly sensitive to criticism, rejection, or perceived disrespect. They may respond with anger, defensiveness, blame, or attempts to regain control.

The grandiosity frequently seen in narcissism is not always evidence of strength. Sometimes it represents an effort to protect deep feelings of inadequacy.

This does not excuse harmful behavior. However, it helps us understand that narcissism is often rooted in emotional wounds rather than genuine superiority.

The Danger of Misusing Mental Health Labels

As mental health awareness has increased, so has the misuse of mental health terminology.

People now casually use terms such as:

Narcissist

Bipolar

OCD

Trauma

Gaslighting

Triggered

While increased awareness can be positive, there is also a danger in reducing complex conditions to everyday insults or buzzwords.

When we inaccurately label others, several problems emerge:

First, we may overlook the true causes of their behavior.

Second, we can contribute to stigma surrounding legitimate mental health conditions.

Third, we may avoid examining our own role in difficult relationships.

Sometimes the healthiest question is not, “Is this person a narcissist?” but rather, “Is this relationship healthy for me?”

The answer to the second question is often far more useful.

Moving Toward Understanding Instead of Labeling

The desire to understand human behavior is natural. However, understanding requires curiosity rather than assumptions.

Instead of immediately diagnosing people from a distance, we might ask:

What motivates this behavior?

What insecurities could be influencing this person?

Is this an ongoing pattern or an isolated incident?

How does this relationship affect my well-being?

What boundaries do I need to establish?

These questions encourage reflection rather than judgment.

The goal should never be to excuse harmful behavior. Rather, it should be to understand it accurately.

Final Thoughts

True narcissism is much more than selfishness, arrogance, confidence, or a difficult personality. It is a complex pattern of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that extends far beyond the occasional flaws that all human beings possess.

In a world increasingly focused on labels, perhaps we should spend less time trying to diagnose the people around us and more time seeking to understand them.

Not everyone who hurts us is a narcissist.

Not everyone who disagrees with us is toxic.

Not everyone who struggles with empathy has a personality disorder.

Sometimes people are simply imperfect human beings doing the best they can with the emotional tools they have developed throughout their lives.

The challenge for all of us is learning the difference.

About the Author

John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, behavioral health executive, and advocate for mental health awareness and community well-being. As the Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges through evidence-based mental health services, compassionate care, and practical solutions.

With extensive experience in clinical social work, behavioral health administration, crisis intervention, community mental health, and leadership development, Mr. Collier brings a unique perspective that bridges both clinical knowledge and real-world application. His work has focused on empowering individuals to improve their emotional health, strengthen relationships, develop resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.

In addition to his clinical and administrative roles, Mr. Collier is passionate about educating the public on mental health topics, reducing stigma, and helping people better understand the complexities of human behavior. Through his writing, he seeks to translate psychological concepts into practical, accessible information that readers can apply in their everyday lives.

His articles explore a wide range of subjects, including mental health, human behavior, grief and loss, relationships, emotional wellness, resilience, trauma, personal development, and the impact of social and cultural trends on psychological well-being.

Mr. Collier believes that greater understanding leads to greater compassion and that meaningful change begins when individuals are willing to look beyond labels, assumptions, and judgment to better understand themselves and others.

“The goal is not simply to explain behavior, but to promote understanding, encourage growth, and inspire healthier relationships with ourselves and those around us.”
– John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Cain, N. M., Pincus, A. L., & Ansell, E. B. (2008). Narcissism at the crossroads: Phenotypic description of pathological narcissism across clinical theory, social/personality psychology, and psychiatric diagnosis. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(4), 638-656.

Miller, J. D., Campbell, W. K., & Pilkonis, P. A. (2007). Narcissistic personality disorder: Relations with distress and functional impairment. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 48(2), 170-177.

Pincus, A. L., & Lukowitsky, M. R. (2010). Pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 421-446.

Turbulent ocean waves crashing under dark storm clouds with sunset light
Surviving the Affair

Article Two: When Forgiveness Feels Impossible

The Betrayed Spouse Who Cannot Forgive

There are few moments in life that permanently divide time into “before” and “after.” The discovery of an affair is one of them.

Many betrayed spouses remember the exact moment they found out. It becomes etched into memory with remarkable clarity. They remember where they were standing, the expression on their spouse’s face, the phone call, the text message, the photograph, the receipt, or the confession that forever changed their world. The details become frozen in time because betrayal is not simply painful—it is traumatic.

For many people, the greatest struggle after an affair is not deciding whether to stay or leave. It is the overwhelming realization that they cannot forgive. They may desperately want to forgive. Their faith may tell them they should forgive. Friends may encourage forgiveness. Their spouse may plead for forgiveness.

Yet every time they attempt it, the memories return. The images replay. The questions begin again. The anger resurfaces. Forgiveness seems to disappear as quickly as it came.

If this describes your experience, you are not abnormal. You are traumatized. Understanding the difference is the first step toward healing.

Betrayal Is More Than Heartbreak

When someone you trust violates the foundation of your relationship, the injury reaches far beyond hurt feelings. An affair attacks several of our deepest psychological needs simultaneously:

  • Safety
  • Trust
  • Identity
  • Security
  • Self-worth
  • Emotional attachment
  • Future expectations

The person who once represented comfort suddenly becomes the source of fear. The person who promised protection becomes the one who caused the injury. This contradiction places the brain into survival mode.

Researchers have increasingly recognized betrayal trauma as a unique form of psychological injury because the source of comfort becomes the source of danger. This creates confusion that often resembles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The What-If Loop

One of the most exhausting symptoms of betrayal is what therapists often call the “What-If Loop.”

The mind searches endlessly for answers.

  • What if I had noticed sooner?
  • What if I had been more affectionate?
  • What if I had worked less?
  • What if I had looked different?
  • What if they loved the other person more?

The questions become relentless. Unfortunately, the human brain mistakenly believes that if it can answer every question, it will somehow eliminate the pain. It rarely does. Instead, each answer usually creates three new questions. Healing begins when we recognize that certainty is not always available. Sometimes recovery requires learning to live without complete explanations.

The Mind Replays What the Eyes Never Saw

Many betrayed spouses become haunted by mental movies. They imagine conversations. Hotel rooms. Vacations. Private messages. Laughter. Physical intimacy. These images may never have actually been witnessed, yet they feel vividly real. This is how trauma attempts to fill in missing information. The brain dislikes incomplete stories. It creates them. Unfortunately, the stories are usually worse than reality. This explains why intrusive thoughts continue months or even years after disclosure. They are symptoms of trauma—not weakness.

Anger Is Often Love’s Last Defense

People frequently apologize for being angry.

  • “I know I shouldn’t still be this angry.”
  • “I’ve prayed about it.”
  • “I’ve tried to let it go.”
  • “I don’t want to feel this way anymore.”

Anger often protects something much more vulnerable. Beneath the anger is grief. Beneath the grief is love. Beneath the love is loss. When we understand anger as protection instead of failure, we stop fighting our emotions and begin listening to them. Anger asks important questions:

  • “Am I safe?”
  • “Can I trust again?”
  • “Will this happen again?” These questions deserve honest answers.

Why Forgiveness Cannot Be Forced

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood concepts in both psychology and Christianity. Forgiveness is not pretending it didn’t happen. It is not forgetting. It is not excusing betrayal. It is not immediately trusting again. It is not removing consequences. Forgiveness is gradually releasing the desire to remain emotionally imprisoned by another person’s actions. That process often takes considerable time. When people pressure themselves into premature forgiveness, they frequently experience what psychologists call pseudo-forgiveness.

Outwardly they say,

“I forgive you.”

Internally, nothing has healed. The resentment simply becomes hidden. Authentic forgiveness grows naturally from healing. It rarely precedes it.

The Difference Between Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Many betrayed spouses fear that forgiving means they must remain in the marriage. It does not. Forgiveness concerns your heart. Reconciliation concerns the relationship. The two are related but not identical.

Reconciliation requires:

  • Genuine remorse
  • Complete honesty
  • Transparency
  • Consistent trustworthy behavior
  • Patience
  • Accountability
  • Mutual commitment

One person can forgive. Two people must reconcile.

Common Triggers

Recovery rarely follows a straight line. Many seemingly ordinary experiences suddenly reopen emotional wounds.

Common triggers include:

  • Anniversary dates
  • Holidays
  • Love songs
  • Hotel advertisements
  • Social media
  • Text notification sounds
  • Unexpected schedule changes
  • Certain perfumes or colognes
  • Particular restaurants
  • Movies involving infidelity

Triggers do not mean healing has failed. They simply remind us that the nervous system remembers what the mind wishes it could forget.

Tools for Healing

Healing requires more than waiting for time to pass. Intentional practices help the brain regain emotional stability. Consider these strategies:

  • Work with a therapist trained in betrayal trauma or couples counseling.
  • Practice grounding exercises when intrusive thoughts become overwhelming.
  • Develop healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise routines.
  • Limit repetitive questioning that no longer produces useful information.
  • Build a support system of emotionally healthy people.
  • Journal difficult emotions rather than suppressing them.
  • Establish boundaries that increase emotional safety.
  • Pray honestly rather than pretending to be spiritually stronger than you feel.

Healing rarely happens accidentally. It happens intentionally.

A Christian Perspective on Forgiveness

Jesus calls believers to forgive. He also never minimizes sin. Throughout Scripture we see both mercy and justice. Repentance and restoration. Truth and grace. Forgiveness does not require pretending evil never occurred. Rather, forgiveness entrusts justice to God while refusing to allow bitterness to define one’s future.

Romans 12:19 reminds believers:

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…”

Forgiveness becomes possible not because betrayal was small. It becomes possible because Christ has shown us that even great wounds can be redeemed. That redemption, however, is often a journey—not a single moment.

A Therapist’s Reflection

One of the most common statements I hear in my office is this:

“I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive them.”

My response often surprises people. I tell them not to make forgiveness today’s assignment. Today’s assignment is breathing. Sleeping. Eating. Staying emotionally safe. Understanding what happened. Learning that trauma changes the brain. Finding healthy support.

Forgiveness may come months later. Sometimes years later. Sometimes forgiveness arrives quietly—not because the memories disappeared, but because the memories no longer control your life.

Healing is rarely about forgetting. It is about remembering differently. The affair may always remain part of your story. It does not have to remain the author of your future.

About the Author

John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, author, educator, and speaker with decades of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate relationship conflict, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Drawing upon years of clinical practice, he specializes in helping people understand the emotional wounds created by betrayal while offering practical, evidence-based strategies for healing and growth. His writing combines psychological research, clinical experience, and Christian principles to provide readers with hope, insight, and realistic pathways toward emotional recovery and healthier relationships.

John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S Executive Director | Clinical Social Worker | Community Advocate For more than two decades, John S. Collier has dedicated his career to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through compassionate behavioral healthcare, leadership, and advocacy. As the founder and Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC, he has played a significant role in expanding access to mental health, case management, and community-based support services throughout Eastern Kentucky. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Mr. Collier earned his Master of Social Work degree in 2004 and subsequently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to serving individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families. Professional Leadership As Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, Mr. Collier oversees a growing multidisciplinary behavioral health organization providing outpatient therapy, targeted case management, positive behavior support services, and community-based supports. He also maintains clinical and supervisory responsibilities, serving in multiple leadership and professional capacities within the organization, including clinical supervision, positive behavior support, staff development, program development, and community outreach. His professional work includes: Clinical psychotherapy and behavioral health treatment Positive Behavior Support planning and consultation Clinical supervision and staff development Community mental health advocacy Program development and organizational leadership Behavioral assessment and intervention planning Service coordination for individuals with complex behavioral and developmental needs Clinical Philosophy Mr. Collier’s clinical philosophy centers on treating the whole person rather than merely addressing symptoms. He utilizes evidence-based approaches while emphasizing dignity, respect, empowerment, and individualized treatment planning. His work incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles, trauma-informed care, person-centered planning, family involvement, and strengths-based interventions designed to help individuals reach their fullest potential. He is particularly passionate about increasing access to behavioral healthcare in rural communities and ensuring individuals receive services that are practical, meaningful, and tailored to their unique strengths and needs. Community Involvement Beyond his clinical work, Mr. Collier has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement throughout his career. His efforts have included public education, outreach initiatives, advocacy for mental health awareness, and collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. He believes strong communities are built when mental health services are accessible, stigma is reduced, and individuals are empowered to succeed. Author, Educator, and Advocate In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Mr. Collier has contributed to professional and community discussions through writing and education. Publicly available information indicates that he has been a published author in areas related to mental health, Freemasonry, and poetry. His work reflects a commitment to personal growth, community service, and the advancement of behavioral health knowledge. Personal Values Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Collier has remained grounded in the core values of social work: service, integrity, competence, dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, and social justice. Colleagues, clients, and community partners know him for his commitment to helping others achieve meaningful and lasting change while fostering an environment of compassion, respect, and accountability. This dedication continues to guide both his leadership and clinical practice today. Contact Information Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC 202 West 7th Street Suite 200 London, Kentucky 40741 Phone: (606) 657-0532 Ext. 101

John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S

Executive Director | Clinical Social Worker | Community Advocate

For more than two decades, John S. Collier has dedicated his career to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through compassionate behavioral healthcare, leadership, and advocacy. As the founder and Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC, he has played a significant role in expanding access to mental health, case management, and community-based support services throughout Eastern Kentucky.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Mr. Collier earned his Master of Social Work degree in 2004 and subsequently became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to serving individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families.

Professional Leadership

As Executive Director of Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, Mr. Collier oversees a growing multidisciplinary behavioral health organization providing outpatient therapy, targeted case management, positive behavior support services, and community-based supports. He also maintains clinical and supervisory responsibilities, serving in multiple leadership and professional capacities within the organization, including clinical supervision, positive behavior support, staff development, program development, and community outreach.

His professional work includes:

  • Clinical psychotherapy and behavioral health treatment
  • Positive Behavior Support planning and consultation
  • Clinical supervision and staff development
  • Community mental health advocacy
  • Program development and organizational leadership
  • Behavioral assessment and intervention planning
  • Service coordination for individuals with complex behavioral and developmental needs

Clinical Philosophy

Mr. Collier’s clinical philosophy centers on treating the whole person rather than merely addressing symptoms. He utilizes evidence-based approaches while emphasizing dignity, respect, empowerment, and individualized treatment planning. His work incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles, trauma-informed care, person-centered planning, family involvement, and strengths-based interventions designed to help individuals reach their fullest potential. [sekybh.com],

He is particularly passionate about increasing access to behavioral healthcare in rural communities and ensuring individuals receive services that are practical, meaningful, and tailored to their unique strengths and needs. [sekybh.com]

Community Involvement

Beyond his clinical work, Mr. Collier has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement throughout his career. His efforts have included public education, outreach initiatives, advocacy for mental health awareness, and collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. He believes strong communities are built when mental health services are accessible, stigma is reduced, and individuals are empowered to succeed. [sekybh.com]

Author, Educator, and Advocate

In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Mr. Collier has contributed to professional and community discussions through writing and education. Publicly available information indicates that he has been a published author in areas related to mental health, Freemasonry, and poetry. His work reflects a commitment to personal growth, community service, and the advancement of behavioral health knowledge.

Personal Values

Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Collier has remained grounded in the core values of social work: service, integrity, competence, dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, and social justice. Colleagues, clients, and community partners know him for his commitment to helping others achieve meaningful and lasting change while fostering an environment of compassion, respect, and accountability. This dedication continues to guide both his leadership and clinical practice today.

Contact Information

Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health, LLC
202 West 7th Street
London, Kentucky 40741
Phone: (606) 657-0532 Ext. 101

John@sekybh.com

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Baucom, D. H., Snyder, D. K., & Gordon, K. C. (2009). Helping Couples Get Past the Affair: A Clinician’s Guide. Guilford Press.

Glass, S. P. (2003). Not “Just Friends”: Rebuilding Trust and Recovering Your Sanity After Infidelity. Free Press.

Gordon, K. C., Baucom, D. H., & Snyder, D. K. (2004). An integrative intervention for promoting recovery from extramarital affairs. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 30(2), 213–231.

Johnson, S. M. (2019). Attachment Theory in Practice. Guilford Press.

Snyder, D. K., Baucom, D. H., & Gordon, K. C. (2007). Getting Past the Affair. Guilford Press.

Spring, J. A. (2012). After the Affair (2nd ed.). Harper.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.

When All You Remember Are the Bad Things in a Relationship

Why Painful Memories Can Become Stronger Than the Good Ones

Have you ever looked back at a relationship and wondered why you can only remember the bad things? Maybe you were married for many years. Maybe you dated someone for a long time. Maybe the relationship ended recently, or maybe it ended years ago. You know there had to be some good times.

There were probably times when you laughed together. You may have taken trips, celebrated birthdays, watched movies, eaten dinner together, or stayed up late talking. There may have been hugs, kisses, jokes, holidays, and ordinary days when everything seemed okay. But now, when you think about the relationship, those memories seem far away. Instead, you remember the fights.

  • You remember the hurtful words.
  • You remember feeling ignored.
  • You remember the lies.
  • You remember being disappointed.
  • You remember the times you cried.
  • You remember feeling alone, even when the other person was sitting beside you.

And you may wonder: Why can I remember everything that hurt me, but hardly remember anything good? There are several possible reasons. It does not always mean that every part of the relationship was bad. It may mean that the painful parts had a stronger effect on you. Understanding why this happens can help you understand your feelings, your memories, and yourself.

Your Memory Is Not a Video Camera

We sometimes think our memory works like a video camera. We believe our brain records everything that happens and stores it exactly the way it happened. But memory does not work that way. Our brains choose what information to notice, store, and remember. Feelings can affect this process. Stress, sadness, fear, anger, and other strong emotions can also change what we remember.

Research has shown that emotional problems can affect the way people remember events from their own lives (Williams et al., 2007). This is important when thinking about an old relationship. Imagine that you were with someone for ten years. During those ten years, you probably shared thousands of normal moments.

  • You ate meals together.
  • You watched television.
  • You drove places.
  • You went shopping.
  • You talked about work.
  • You went to bed.
  • You woke up the next morning.

Most of these normal moments may not become strong memories. But imagine that during those ten years, your partner said something very cruel during an argument. That conversation may have lasted only five minutes. Yet you might remember those five minutes for the next twenty years.

Why?

Because those five minutes hurt. The brain may give more attention to something that feels important, dangerous, painful, or emotional. So a painful memory can become stronger than hundreds of normal memories.

Our Brains Pay Attention to Danger

The human brain is designed to notice danger. This helped human beings survive for thousands of years. Imagine a person walking through the woods long ago. They see beautiful flowers beside the trail. Later, they see a dangerous animal near the same trail. Which memory is more important for survival? The dangerous animal. Remembering the flowers would be nice. Remembering the danger could save their life. We are no longer living the same way our early ancestors did, but our brains still pay attention to things that feel dangerous.

In relationships, danger is not always physical. Sometimes it is emotional.

  • Being rejected can hurt.
  • Being cheated on can hurt.
  • Being lied to can hurt.
  • Being screamed at can hurt.
  • Being made fun of can hurt.
  • Feeling unwanted can hurt.
  • Being ignored by someone you love can hurt.

If these things happen often, your brain may begin paying close attention to them. Your mind may be trying to protect you. It may be saying: “Remember this so it does not happen again.”

Bad Memories Can Feel Bigger Than Good Memories

Suppose you and your partner had a wonderful vacation. You laughed. You ate good food. You walked on the beach. You took pictures. You had fun. Years later, you may remember that it was a nice vacation, but many of the small details may disappear. Now imagine that on the last night of the vacation, you had a terrible argument. Your partner said something that broke your heart. Years later, you may have trouble remembering what you ate or where you went during the vacation. But you remember exactly where you were standing when those painful words were spoken.

You may even remember the person’s face. You may remember the room. You may remember what you were wearing. You may remember how your stomach felt. That does not mean the entire vacation was terrible. It means the painful moment had a strong emotional effect on you. Research shows that emotions can affect what we pay attention to and what we later remember (Williams et al., 2007).

Your Feelings Today Can Affect What You Remember

How you feel today can sometimes affect what you remember about yesterday. For example, when you are angry with someone, it may be easier to remember other times that person made you angry. One memory can lead to another. You remember one lie. Then another. Then another. You remember one argument. Then you remember another argument from three years earlier. Soon your mind has created a long list of everything that person ever did wrong.

The positive memories may still exist. They may simply be harder to reach at that moment. Depression can also affect the way people remember their lives. Researchers have found a connection between depression and problems remembering clear, specific personal experiences (Sumner et al., 2010; Williams et al., 2007).

This does not mean painful memories are fake. It means our current emotions can affect which memories are easiest to find.

Thinking About the Same Hurt Over and Over Makes It Stronger

Sometimes we do something called rumination. Rumination means thinking about the same upsetting situation again and again. You might think:

  • “Why did she do that?”
  • “Why did he say that?”
  • “Why didn’t I leave?”
  • “Why didn’t I notice what was happening?”
  • “Was I not good enough?”
  • “Did this person ever really love me?”
  • “What should I have said?”
  • “What would have happened if I had done something differently?”

Thinking about these questions once may help us understand what happened. Thinking about them hundreds of times may keep us stuck. Research has connected rumination with certain problems in autobiographical memory, which means memory about our own lives (Sumner, 2012).

Think about it this way. A happy event may have happened once. But you may have replayed a painful event in your mind 500 times. Each time you replay it, you give it more attention. That can make the memory easier to find.

Some Memories Stay Because There Was Never Closure

Painful memories can also remain strong when something never felt finished.

Imagine that your partner hurt you.

You told them how you felt.

  • They listened.
  • They apologized.
  • They took responsibility.
  • They changed their behavior.

Over time, you began trusting them again. Now imagine something different. You may still remember what happened, but the memory now has an ending. Your partner hurt you. You tried talking about it. They denied it. They blamed you. They refused to talk about it. Nothing changed. Then the relationship ended. You may still be asking:

  • “Why did this happen?”
  • “Why didn’t they care?”
  • “Did they understand how much they hurt me?”
  • “Why wasn’t I enough?”
  • “Was the relationship ever real?”

Your brain may keep returning to the memory because you never received an answer. But there is an important lesson here:

Sometimes closure does not come from the other person.

Sometimes you have to create your own closure.

You may never understand why someone treated you a certain way. Healing may begin when you realize you do not need every answer before you can move forward.

A Bad Ending Can Change How You Remember the Beginning

The way a relationship ends can change the way you remember the whole relationship. This can happen after cheating or another serious betrayal. Imagine discovering that your partner had been lying to you. Suddenly, you begin thinking about old memories differently. You look at an old vacation picture and wonder:

  • “Was this person lying to me then?”
  • You remember a business trip and wonder:
  • “Was that really a business trip?”
  • You remember hearing, “I love you,” and wonder:
  • “Did they really mean it?”

The memory itself has not changed. What changed is what you now know. New information can change the meaning of old memories. That can make even happy memories painful.

Sometimes Anger Is Easier Than Sadness

This can be difficult to admit. Sometimes being angry at someone feels easier than missing them. Anger can make us feel strong. Grief can make us feel weak and exposed. It may feel easier to say: “She was terrible to me.” than: “I loved her, and losing her broke my heart.”

It may feel easier to say: “He never cared about me.” than: “There were wonderful parts of our relationship, and I miss those parts.”

Both feelings can exist. You can love someone and be angry with them. You can miss someone and know you should not be together. You can forgive someone and still choose not to have them in your life. You can remember beautiful moments while also remembering terrible ones. You can admit: “I loved this person.” And also say: “This relationship was not healthy for me.” Both statements can be true.

Remembering Mostly Bad Things Does Not Automatically Mean You Have Trauma

People sometimes use the word trauma for every painful experience. Trauma is more complicated than that. A painful relationship can have a deep emotional effect without automatically causing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Research has found that traumatic experiences, depression, avoidance, rumination, and memory can be connected in complicated ways (Moore & Zoellner, 2007; Sumner, 2012).

Simply remembering bad things about an old relationship does not mean you have PTSD. However, professional help may be useful if memories are causing serious problems in your daily life. For example, you may want to talk with a qualified mental health professional if memories cause strong fear, nightmares, panic, major sleep problems, constant avoidance, or serious problems in current relationships.

Depression Can Make Good Memories Harder to Find

Depression can affect more than how we feel today. It can affect how we look at yesterday. Research has found that people experiencing depression may have difficulty remembering clear and specific events from their lives (Sumner et al., 2010; Williams et al., 2007). Someone might say: “My whole marriage was terrible.” Maybe that is true. But another possibility should also be considered. Perhaps the marriage contained both good and bad experiences, but the painful memories are easier to reach right now.This is why it can help to slow down before making statements such as:

  • “Nothing was ever good.”
  • “They never loved me.”
  • “I wasted every year.”
  • “Every memory was terrible.”

Those feelings deserve to be taken seriously. But feelings and memories should also be explored carefully.

Your Mind May Be Trying to Protect You

Sometimes your mind keeps painful memories close because it wants to protect you. Imagine touching a hot stove. The pain teaches you something: Do not touch that again. Emotional pain can sometimes work in a similar way. Your brain remembers betrayal because it does not want you to be betrayed again. It remembers rejection because it wants you to notice warning signs. It remembers being controlled because it wants you to protect your freedom. It remembers being ignored because it wants you to choose someone who listens. The memory may be trying to teach you something. But there is a difference between learning from pain and living inside pain. A lesson can protect your future. Constantly replaying the hurt can steal your present.

Be Careful About Turning the Whole Relationship Into One Story

After a painful breakup or divorce, people sometimes create one simple story about the relationship.

  • “I wasted ten years.”
  • “She never loved me.”
  • “He never cared.”
  • “Everything was fake.”
  • “I was miserable every day.”

Sometimes those statements may describe someone’s true experience. But sometimes they are attempts to make a complicated relationship easier to understand. Relationships are often more complicated than “good” or “bad.” A person may have loved you and still hurt you. A person may have had good qualities and still been unhealthy for you. You may have made wonderful memories together and still needed to leave. You may have made mistakes too. Recognizing those things does not excuse harmful behavior. It simply allows you to tell yourself a more complete story.

You Do Not Have to Hate Someone to Move On

This is one of the hardest lessons after a relationship ends: You do not have to turn someone into a terrible person before you are allowed to let them go. Maybe your former partner had good qualities. Maybe they loved you in the best way they knew how. Maybe you loved them. Maybe you shared wonderful years. And maybe the relationship still needed to end. Those ideas can exist together.

  • You can say: “There were good times.” And: “There were painful times.”
  • You can say: “I loved this person.” And: “I do not want the relationship back.”
  • You can say: “I forgive what happened.” And: “I will not allow it to happen again.”
  • You can say: “I miss parts of what we had.” And: “I am happier moving forward.”

Healing does not require hating someone. Sometimes healing means seeing the whole person and the whole relationship clearly.

A Simple Exercise: Tell the Whole Story

If you can only remember the bad things, try writing down the story of your relationship.

Do not decide whether it was good or bad.

Just tell the truth.

The Beginning

Ask yourself:

  • How did we meet?
  • What did I like about this person?
  • What made me happy?
  • Why did I choose this relationship?
  • What dreams did we have?
  • What are some good memories from that time?

The Middle

Ask yourself:

  • When did things begin changing?
  • What problems appeared?
  • What was still good?
  • What became difficult?
  • What did I need that I was not getting?
  • What did my partner need?
  • What mistakes did I make?
  • What mistakes did my partner make?
  • Did we try to fix the problems?

The Ending

Ask yourself:

  • When did I realize the relationship might not survive?
  • What happened?
  • What hurt me the most?
  • What did I try to change?
  • What did the other person try to change?
  • What finally caused the relationship to end?

What Do I Miss?

Be truthful. Maybe you miss their laugh. Maybe you miss Sunday mornings. Maybe you miss traveling together. Maybe you miss having someone beside you. Missing something does not mean you should go back. It simply means something mattered to you.

What Am I Glad Is Over?

Write this down too. Maybe you no longer have to worry about arguments. Maybe you no longer feel controlled. Maybe you no longer wonder whether someone is lying. Maybe your home feels peaceful again. Recognize that freedom.

What Did I Learn?

This may be the most important question. What did the relationship teach you about love? What did it teach you about communication? What did it teach you about trust? What did it teach you about boundaries? What did it teach you about yourself? What will you do differently in your next relationship?

Ask What the Memory Is Really About

When the same painful memory keeps coming back, ask yourself: “What does this memory mean to me?”

Maybe the memory is really about rejection. Maybe it is about feeling unwanted. Maybe it is about embarrassment. Maybe it is about being abandoned. Maybe it is about feeling like you were not good enough. Maybe it is about losing trust. Sometimes the event is over, but the message you took from the event is still hurting you.

For example, your partner may have left you. That is what happened. But you may have told yourself: “They left because I am not worth loving.” That is an interpretation. Those are not the same thing. Someone leaving you does not prove that you are unlovable. Someone cheating does not prove that you were not good enough. Someone rejecting you does not decide your value. Understanding the difference between what happened and what you decided it meant about you can be an important part of healing.

Remembering the Good Does Not Mean You Want the Relationship Back

People sometimes become afraid of good memories. They think: “If I remember the good times, maybe I will want them back.” Not necessarily. Remembering is not returning. Forgiving is not forgetting. Understanding is not excusing. You can remember a wonderful Christmas together without wanting another Christmas together.

You can remember laughing on vacation without forgetting the pain that came later. You can remember being in love without believing the relationship should have lasted forever. The memory belongs to you. You do not have to destroy every good memory just because the relationship ended badly.

The Goal Is Not to Forget the Bad

Healing does not mean pretending bad things never happened. It also does not mean forcing yourself to think positively. The goal is to remember the whole story. You might eventually be able to say: “We had good times.” “We had bad times.” “I loved this person.”

  • “This person hurt me.”
  • “I hurt them sometimes too.”
  • “I made mistakes.”
  • “I learned.”
  • “I changed.”
  • “I survived the ending.”
  • “And I kept moving forward.”

That is a much stronger story than simply saying:

“Everything was terrible.”

Final Thoughts

If all you can remember about a relationship is the negative things, do not immediately assume something is wrong with you. Your memories may be showing you where you were hurt. They may be showing you what still needs attention. They may be reminding you of something you never understood. They may be connected to anger, sadness, grief, depression, rumination, or unresolved questions. Or your memories may simply be telling you that certain experiences affected you much more deeply than you realized at the time.

Do not force yourself to remember good things. Instead, become curious about the memories that remain.

Ask:

  • Why does this memory still hurt?
  • What did I lose?
  • What did I learn?
  • What am I still angry about?
  • What do I still wish had happened differently?
  • What am I afraid will happen in another relationship?
  • What do I need to forgive myself for?

And finally:

What do I want to carry forward, and what am I ready to leave behind?

Healing does not mean erasing your past. It means reaching a place where your past no longer controls your present. You can remember the hurt without living in it. You can remember the love without returning to it. You can remember the mistakes without allowing them to define you. And one day, instead of thinking only about everything that went wrong, you may be able to look back and say: “Some of it was beautiful. Some of it was painful. All of it taught me something. But it is no longer where I live.”

About the Author

John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW-S

John S. Collier is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with professional experience in behavioral health, counseling, mental health services, and helping individuals and families work through difficult life experiences.

His work focuses on helping people better understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and personal experiences. He has a particular interest in presenting mental health information in a way that ordinary people can understand and use in their daily lives.

Rather than treating emotional struggles as complicated ideas that can only be understood by professionals, John believes people can benefit from learning why they think, feel, and behave the way they do. Understanding does not remove every painful experience, but it can give people tools for responding to those experiences in healthier ways.

His writing often explores relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, personal growth, family relationships, communication, emotional healing, faith, and the challenges people face during major life changes.

John’s approach emphasizes an important idea: a person’s past can help explain where they are today without having to determine where they will be tomorrow.

Through education, reflection, and practical mental health tools, his goal is to help readers better understand themselves, recognize unhealthy patterns, build stronger relationships, develop healthy boundaries, and move toward greater emotional well-being.

References

Moore, S. A., & Zoellner, L. A. (2007). Overgeneral autobiographical memory and traumatic events: An evaluative review. Psychological Bulletin, 133(3), 419–437. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.3.419

Sumner, J. A. (2012). The mechanisms underlying overgeneral autobiographical memory: An evaluative review of evidence for the CaR-FA-X model. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(1), 34–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.10.003

Sumner, J. A., Griffith, J. W., & Mineka, S. (2010). Overgeneral autobiographical memory as a predictor of the course of depression: A meta-analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48(7), 614–625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2010.03.013

Williams, J. M. G., Barnhofer, T., Crane, C., Hermans, D., Raes, F., Watkins, E., & Dalgleish, T. (2007). Autobiographical memory specificity and emotional disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 122–148. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.122

Educational Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition. People experiencing significant emotional distress or difficulty functioning should consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.

Five Ways to Provide Children Stability While Living Between Two Homes

By John S. Collier, MSW, LCSW

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most significant changes for children is learning how to live between two homes. A child who once knew exactly where they would wake up each morning, where their belongings were kept, and who would be sitting at the dinner table may suddenly have to adjust to different bedrooms, schedules, expectations, and routines.

For adults, these arrangements may be described in terms of custody schedules, parenting time, visitation, or shared parenting. Children usually experience them much more personally. They may wonder, Where am I sleeping tonight? Did I leave my homework at Dad’s house? Will Mom be upset that I had fun with Dad? Who is picking me up from school? When will I see Mom again?

These questions illustrate an important principle: stability does not necessarily mean living in only one place. Stability means having enough predictability, emotional security, consistency, and dependable relationships that a child knows what to expect and knows that the adults responsible for them are going to continue caring for them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that children’s adjustment following divorce or separation is influenced significantly by how parents interact before, during, and after the separation. Parents who place children’s needs ahead of their disagreements can make the transition easier. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

Although every family is different, the following five strategies can help children develop a sense of security while living between two homes.

1. Create Predictable Routines in Both Homes

Children generally function better when they have some idea of what is going to happen next. Predictability creates a sense of security because children do not have to constantly anticipate changes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children’s routines—including school, extracurricular activities, relationships, discipline, and responsibilities—as normal and unchanged as reasonably possible following separation or divorce. (American Academy of Pediatrics⁠)

This does not mean both homes must operate identically.

One parent may serve dinner at 5:30 while the other eats at 6:30. One household may allow television before bed while another prefers reading. Children are capable of understanding that different homes have somewhat different expectations.

However, having consistency around important areas can be helpful.

For example, parents might attempt to maintain reasonably similar expectations concerning:

  • Bedtime and wake-up routines
  • Homework and school attendance
  • Medication and healthcare
  • Personal hygiene
  • Screen time
  • Chores and responsibilities
  • School-night expectations
  • Behavioral boundaries

A predictable parenting schedule can also provide reassurance. A child who knows, “Dad picks me up every Wednesday after school,” experiences something very different from a child who regularly wonders, “I don’t know where I’m going tonight.”

Visual calendars can be especially useful for younger children. Parents can place a calendar somewhere the child can easily see it and use colors, pictures, or symbols to indicate which home the child will be staying in.

Most importantly, parents should make every reasonable effort to keep promises concerning parenting time. HealthyChildren.org specifically notes that predictable weekly or monthly schedules can be comforting and emphasizes the importance of parents following through on promised visits or time together. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

Children do not need every day to be identical. They need the important people in their lives to be dependable.

2. Never Make the Child Choose Between Parents

One of the greatest emotional burdens adults can unintentionally place on children is making them feel responsible for choosing one parent over another.

Children generally want permission to love both parents.

A child should not have to evaluate whether talking positively about one parent will hurt the other parent’s feelings. Likewise, children should not become messengers, investigators, negotiators, or referees between adults.

The AAP advises parents not to force children to take sides and recommends keeping disagreements and adult conversations private rather than allowing children to become involved in parental conflict. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

Parents should therefore avoid questions or statements such as:

  • “Who would you rather live with?”
  • “Does your dad’s girlfriend stay there?”
  • “Tell your mother she needs to pay me.”
  • “Your father cares more about his new family than you.”
  • “I guess you’d rather be at your mom’s house.”

Even when spoken during frustration, statements like these can create a loyalty conflict. The child may begin believing that loving one parent represents betrayal of the other.

A healthier message is:

“You are allowed to love both of your parents.”

Children should also be able to enjoy themselves in the other household without guilt. If a child returns from the other parent’s home excited about going camping, attending a ballgame, visiting grandparents, or celebrating a birthday, the receiving parent can simply share the child’s excitement.

The message becomes:

“You don’t have to protect my feelings. I’m glad you had a good time.”

That response provides tremendous emotional freedom. Parents do not have to like one another to protect their child’s relationship with each parent. The goal is not necessarily friendship between former partners. The goal is creating an environment in which children are not responsible for managing adult emotions.

3. Make Both Houses Feel Like Home

There is an important difference between visiting a parent and living with a parent. Whenever practical, children who regularly spend substantial time in two households should have a sense that they belong in both places. They should not feel like permanent guests arriving with luggage every few days. Something as simple as having their own toothbrush, pajamas, clothing, school supplies, toys, books, toiletries, and personal belongings can communicate:

“You belong here.”

If circumstances allow, give the child a designated personal space. It does not necessarily have to be a private bedroom. It might be a dresser, shelf, closet, toy box, desk, or special area where the child’s belongings remain when they leave. Allowing children to personalize their space can also increase their sense of ownership.

Let them choose:

  • Bedding
  • Pictures
  • Decorations
  • Stuffed animals
  • Books
  • Nightlights
  • Posters
  • Family photographs

Parents should also consider keeping commonly forgotten necessities in both homes. Children frequently moving clothing, chargers, school supplies, medications, sports equipment, and toiletries from one household to another can become frustrated and anxious.

Whenever financially possible, duplicating inexpensive necessities can reduce this burden. Adults sometimes unintentionally make children responsible for managing the logistics of shared parenting. A seven-year-old should not experience a crisis because they forgot their school shoes at the other parent’s house.

The adults should carry as much of the logistical responsibility as reasonably possible. This principle extends beyond physical belongings. Children need emotional belonging as well. Photographs of the other parent do not necessarily need to disappear from a child’s room simply because the parents are no longer together. Children should generally be allowed to talk about their other home, siblings, stepparents, grandparents, and experiences without feeling that certain subjects are forbidden. Two homes can be very different and still communicate the same fundamental message:

“This is your home, too.”

4. Protect Children From Adult Conflict

Parents do not have to agree about everything to successfully raise a child between two homes. They do, however, need to recognize that repeated exposure to adult conflict can make an already difficult transition significantly harder. AAP guidance recommends that parents discuss disagreements privately, avoid fighting where children can hear them, and refrain from involving children in parental arguments. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

This includes more than face-to-face arguments. Children can also be exposed to conflict through:

  • Angry telephone conversations
  • Hostile text messages they are allowed to see
  • Social-media posts
  • Criticism from extended family members
  • Arguments during exchanges
  • Sarcastic comments
  • Questioning children about the other household
  • Asking children to deliver messages
  • Complaining about child support or finances

One particularly harmful dynamic occurs when the child becomes the communication system between parents.

  • “Tell your dad you’re staying here Friday.”
  • “Ask your mother why she hasn’t answered me.”
  • “Tell Dad you need money for your uniform.”

Children should not be responsible for carrying adult information across household lines.

Whenever possible, adults should communicate directly through phone calls, text messages, email, co-parenting applications, mediators, or other appropriate channels. When communication between parents is extremely difficult, reducing unnecessary interaction may sometimes be more realistic than attempting to create a close co-parenting relationship. The objective should remain the same: reduce the child’s exposure to conflict.

Parents can also make transitions deliberately uneventful. Exchanges do not need to become opportunities to revisit disagreements. A simple: “Have a great weekend. I love you. I’ll see you Monday.” may provide much greater security than an emotional goodbye followed by an argument in the driveway. Children watch adults carefully. When parents communicate that transitions are safe and manageable, children receive permission to experience them that way as well.

5. Give Children Permission to Talk About Their Feelings

A child can love both parents and still dislike living between two homes. Both things can be true. Children may experience sadness, anger, confusion, excitement, guilt, relief, anxiety, or frustration—and sometimes several of those emotions at once.

Younger children may have difficulty explaining these emotions verbally. Their distress may instead appear through tantrums, sleep difficulties, clinginess, regression, irritability, or changes in eating. School-aged children may demonstrate anger, distraction, academic problems, or mood changes. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

Rather than immediately correcting the emotion, parents can become curious about it. If a child says:

“I hate going back and forth.”

A parent may instinctively respond:

“You shouldn’t say that. You’re lucky both of us love you.”

Although well intended, that response can close the conversation. A more supportive response might be:

“Going back and forth can be hard sometimes. What is the hardest part for you?”

Perhaps the problem is not the other parent at all. The child might say:

“I always forget my stuff.”

“I miss my dog.”

“I don’t sleep well there.”

“I hate packing.”

“I miss you when I’m gone.”

Now the parent has information that may lead to a practical solution. The AAP recommends giving children opportunities to express their feelings and helping them understand that they did not cause the divorce or separation. Children also benefit from reassurance that their parents’ love and care for them will continue. (American Academy of Pediatrics⁠) One of the most powerful messages a parent can repeatedly communicate is: “The problems between the adults are adult problems. You did not cause them, and you are not responsible for fixing them.”

Stability Is More Emotional Than Geographical

Parents sometimes fear that living between two homes automatically means children will have unstable lives. That does not have to be the case. A child’s stability is created through relationships, routines, expectations, emotional safety, and dependable caregiving—not simply through an address. Two homes can provide stability when the adults surrounding the child consistently communicate:

  • “You are safe.”
  • “You are loved.”
  • “You know what happens next.”
  • “You are allowed to love both parents.”
  • “The adults will handle the adult problems.”
  • “You can talk to me about how you feel.”

The transition following separation or divorce is a process rather than a single event, and children’s reactions may change as they grow and understand their family circumstances differently. The American Academy of Pediatrics therefore encourages parents and professionals to remain attentive to children’s emotional and behavioral responses over time. (American Academy of Pediatrics⁠)

Parents should pay particular attention to significant or persistent changes such as declining school performance, social withdrawal, severe anxiety, sleep disturbances, prolonged sadness, aggression, physical complaints without an obvious medical explanation, or other substantial changes in functioning. When concerns become significant, consultation with the child’s pediatrician or an appropriately qualified mental-health professional may be beneficial. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

Ultimately, successful shared parenting is not measured by whether two households have identical rules, furniture, resources, or parenting styles. It is measured by whether the child experiences both homes as places where adults are dependable and love does not have to be divided. Children should never feel that they are carrying two separate lives in two separate suitcases. They should be able to understand something much healthier:

“I have one life, one childhood, and two places where I belong.”

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Helping children and families deal with divorce and separation. Pediatrics, 138(6), e20163020. (American Academy of Pediatrics⁠)

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Parting ways: New report on divorce addresses pediatricians’ role. AAP News. (American Academy of Pediatrics⁠)

HealthyChildren.org. (2026). Divorce and separation: How to help your child adjust. American Academy of Pediatrics. (HealthyChildren.org⁠)

Hetherington, E. M. (2005). Divorce and the adjustment of children. Pediatrics in Review, 26(5), 163–169. (American Academy of Pediatrics⁠)