Over time the child develops a strategy: reduce display of distress, avoid seeking proximity, appear “independent.” Ainsworth and Bell observed that avoidant behaviour may mask distress (i.e., elevated heart rate despite calm outward behaviour).

Because the real you—the unfiltered, bold, messy, honest, radiant you—was never meant to be pleasing. You were meant to be free.

One day I turned to my husband and said, “I know this sounds weird, but am I getting better looking… like in the past few months?”