My Answer: It’s not a would, it’s a will.

One thing I want to actively work on is my conflict response the part of me that shuts down, withdraws emotionally, and avoids the issue altogether.

For a long time, this has been a survival tactic. It is how I keep the peace, how I protected myself, how I avoided further damage when I don’t feel emotionally safe.

This trait has resurfaced. And I can see clearly how it shows up not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family dynamics, and even at work. Instead of expressing how I feel, I swallow it. Instead of facing discomfort, I retreat from it.

But avoidance isn’t peace. And silence isn’t resolution.
I know I need to choose differently.

I will learn to stay present in the hard conversations.
I will speak up even when my voice shakes.
I will allow myself to be uncomfortable without shutting down.
I will meet conflict with curiosity instead of fear.

This isn’t about becoming perfect it’s about becoming emotionally mature and emotionally honest. Because growth is not just shown in the moments when everything is easy it’s shown in how we handle the moments that aren’t.

I’m working on it not because someone asked me to, not because I’m trying to be liked but because I want to show up as the healthiest version of myself. For others, yes but most importantly, for me.

xo, Kieks