đź’” What it means to have grown up with a lack of love and emotional support
Growing up without love meant your feelings and needs were ignored or dismissed so often that you learned they didn't matter—no one was there when you needed comfort most.
You may have learned that expressing authentic thoughts and feelings was dangerous, so your first instinct was to hide your hurts with the reflex of "Don't bother asking. They'll just make it your fault." You became incredibly self-sufficient, building an impressive fortress of independence because vulnerability felt too risky when no one consistently showed up for you.
You might find that it feels safer to be self-reliant than to need others because disappointment hurts less when you don't expect support. Around others, you minimize your emotions, having learned early that your feelings create uncomfortable situations. When someone shows genuine interest in your feelings, you may feel both drawn to and suspicious of their attention—it's unfamiliar territory.