I still prepare for blame before there is any

Dear Delyara, It’s exhausting to realise how often I am one step ahead of criticism that has not actually arrived. I explain too soon. Defend too early. Add context before it’s needed. So much of my communication still carries a quiet layer of “please don’t misunderstand me badly” underneath the actual content. That reflex did not come from nowhere. But I hate how much life it still drains from simple honesty. Some days I can feel myself walking into ordinary conversations already padded for impact. That is no way to feel safe in your own words.