Why do I feel responsible for everyone else's emotions?

If you grew up in a home where the emotional climate was unpredictable, you probably learned to scan the room, read the mood, and adjust yourself accordingly. That was survival. But somewhere along the way, "keeping the peace" became your full-time job — and now you're carrying baggage that was never yours to pack. The good news? You can learn to set it down.

What is generational trauma?

It's the patterns, beliefs, and coping strategies passed down through families — often without anyone realizing it. Think of it like inheriting luggage you never packed. Your grandmother's fear becomes your mother's anxiety becomes your need to control everything. Or your grandfather's anger becomes your father's emotional distance becomes your fear of conflict. The cycle continues until someone decides to unpack it.

How do I set boundaries with toxic family members?

Boundaries aren't about controlling other people — they're about deciding what you're willing to carry. You get to choose which bags come with you and which ones stay at the gate. That might mean limiting contact, changing the subject, or simply not explaining yourself anymore. Boundaries aren't mean. They're how you stop volunteering for baggage claim.