It can happen slowly: less time with friends, fewer personal interests, more decisions filtered first through “what will the other person want?” Eventually you may wonder when you began making yourself smaller.

Returning to yourself does not necessarily mean moving away from the relationship. It can mean giving space again to needs and parts of you that became inactive.

If the relationship reacts aggressively to every attempt at autonomy, or there is control, fear or coercion, safety and appropriate specialist support need particular attention.

Otherwise, you can begin small: one activity, one friendship, one decision made consciously because it matters to you.