Why We Say, “I’m fine” When We Aren’t: Codependency, Denial, and Avoidance
Im fine.
We say it all the time. Its short and sweet. But, often, its not true.
And while everyone occasionally says theyre fine when they arent, codependents are especially prone to this form of avoidance. So, let’s take a look at why we do this and how we can be more authentic.
When we say, Im fine or Everythings fine, we’re denying our true feelings and experiences; we’re hoping to convince ourselves and others that everything really is okay.
Pretending that we dont have any problems, difficult emotions, or conflicts is a facade. Its the image we want to present to the rest of the world. We want others to think everything is working out great for us because were afraid of the shame, embarrassment, and judgment that might come if people knew the truth (that were struggling, our lives are unmanageable, our loved ones are troubled, that were not perfect, etc.).
And if we acknowledge our problems to others, we have to face them and admit to ourselves that were not happy, our lives arent perfect, or we need help.
Denial is understandable. It seems easier to avoid certain problems, traumatic memories, and difficult feelings. However, we all know that avoidance isnt a good long-term strategy. Often, the longer we try to ignore things, the bigger the problems become. So, why do we deny our problems or pretend to be okay?
We pretend to be fine to avoid conflicts. Sharing our true feelings or opinions might cause someone to get angry with us and thats scary or at least uncomfortable.
We also use Im fine to shield ourselves from painful feelings. In general, codependents are uncomfortable with emotions. Most of us grew up in families where we werent allowed to be angry or sad. We were told to stop crying or we were punished when we expressed our feelings, or our feelings were ignored. As a result, we learned to suppress our feelings and to numb them with food or alcohol or other compulsive behaviors. Many of us also grew up with parents who couldnt regulate their own emotions. For example, if you had a parent who raged, you may be afraid of anger and want to avoid being angry or angering others. Or if you had a parent who was deeply depressed, you may be unconsciously compelled to avoid your own feelings of sadness, grief, or hopelessness. And after years of suppressing and numbing your feelings, you may not even be aware of them. So, you may say, Im fine because you really dont know how you feel.
You also may have learned in childhood that you shouldnt need anything. Again, you may have been punished when you asked for something or your needs may have been ignored. When this happens repeatedly, we learn that we shouldnt ask for anything because no one cares about our needs and they wont be met.
Related to this is our desire to be easy going or low maintenance. Again, we dont want to be difficult (that might lead to a conflict) and we dont want to be a burden or need anything because that might drive people away. A history of dysfunctional relationships and fragile self-esteem has led us to believe that people wont like us (and perhaps theyll abandon or reject us) if we ask for too much or have complicated feelings. It feels safer to pretend were fine and be a dependable, cheerful friend or an easy-going daughter-in-law who never complains.
We also deny our problems and feelings because theyre overwhelming, we dont know what to do with our feelings or how to solve our problems, so we try to ignore them.
If youve been denying your feelings and problems for years, its not easy to start digging into the messy stuff beneath the surface. But if were going to truly feel better and create more authentic and satisfying relationships, we have to acknowledge that were not fine, that we are struggling, hurt, afraid, or angry, and that we have unmet needs. A therapist or sponsor can provide valuable support when difficult feelings come up and gently challenge your denial if you get stuck.
Moving out of denial can start with being more honest with yourself. So, even if youre not ready to share your true feelings or experiences with others, try to acknowledge them yourself. You can do this through journaling and naming your feelings. Try to be interested in how youre feeling rather than immediately pushing your feelings away. Remember that feelings arent good or bad, so try not to judge them. You might think of your feelings as messengers that are delivering helpful insights. Again, rather than trying to change how you feel, be curious about why youre feeling a particular way or what your feelings are trying to tell you.
Next, identify one safe person to be more authentic with. If no one in your life feels safe, you can set a goal to develop a relationship where you feel safe to share more honestly. Again, therapy and support groups are good places to begin because sharing honestly is encouraged and theres no expectation that youre fine all the time.
And finally, please know that youre not the only one struggling with these issues and you didnt cause them. You are, however, the only one who can start to change them. You can slowly start to think and act differently, you can validate your feelings and needs, and be more of your true self. Some people may have a hard time with the changes you make, but others will be drawn to the more assertive, authentic version of you. Most importantly, I think youll be happier with yourself when you know yourself better and can acknowledge more of your feelings and experiences.
Feel Your Feelings. They Will Set You Free!
Feelings: Don’t Keep Them to Yourself
To Heal Trauma, Free Your Most Compassionate Self
2020 Sharon Martin, LCSW. All rights reserved. Photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash.