Fawn response

💛The fawn response typically develops as a coping mechanism in response to trauma. When a child or adults natural fight or flight responses are ineffective or dangerous, they may learn to “fawn” as a way to survive. If this occurs in childhood, this pattern can persist into adulthood, leading to a habitual way of interacting with the world. Here are some signs of being stuck in the fawn response: 🌱 Prioritizing others’ comfort to feel safe. 🙇‍♂️ Overly pleasing others, neglecting your…

The fawn response is a common stress reaction - most common for people who’ve experienced complex, inescapable trauma in the past. Fawning is active – it involves attuning to the threat and figuring out what will appease or neutralize it. The "fawn" response usually gets simplified to #peoplepleasing, conflict avoidance, and neglecting one's own needs, but there are more specific markers we might look out for if we suspect we might be prone to respond to stress by moving into the fawn state.

💟 Is stress creating distance in your relationship? 💟 (Save this post for later) Stress doesn’t just affect us individually—it impacts how we connect with our partners, too. Each of us has a unique stress language—whether it’s fight, flight, freeze, or fawn—and these responses can show up in our closest relationships. Without understanding these patterns, stress can lead to disconnection, arguments, or even emotional withdrawal. Here’s how it often plays out: * The Fighter responds with...