My partner and I moved to a new neighborhood and we've been trying to get involved in community groups but we both have histories of social rejection and keep second-guessing whether people actually want us there or are just being polite, and now we're starting to avoid things altogether.
More people experience this than they realize.
Two people's individual wounds around belonging are creating a shared pattern of withdrawal that prevents the very connection they both crave.
“Where Are You with Psychological safety in communities?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.