When nervous system dysregulation is at the root of someone monologuing at us, what are our options? This might be someone we care deeply about and want to be there for. What does it cost us to be subjected to their dysregulation over time? Do we consent?

It is hard work to remain grounded when we’re around people with dysregulated nervous systems.

We can’t change the past. We can’t transform our parents into lovingly supporting us. If they have done their own work, that’s a bonus.

We ourselves can take on the job of extending empathy and supporting ourselves. We can stop the inner critic attacks.

We can learn to be consistently reliable and kind to ourselves. We can be the “good enough” parent we didn’t have.