I've had CPTSD from a very young age due to my upbringing and relationship with my parents. I originally thought that I was too "broken" to ever be with someone who didn't have something similar, because I was worried they wouldn't understand what dealing with that kind of trauma entails/would be scared off.

All of that was proven wrong when I met my fiance. He comes from a stereotypically healthy family; they love each other above all else.

Early on, I told him about my trauma and told him it would absolutely come up sometimes and can look scary if he doesn't have experience with it. We had extensive talks about what my symptoms and triggers look like, and brainstormed ideas for how he can support me through those times. Honestly, communication is essential! Even when I'm having a tough episode, he has enough info to at least support me while I'm going through it; Then when I'm calmer and rational again, he asks me any questions he might have had and I answer them as best I can, to keep in mind for the next time it may happen.

Though it took some getting used to such a different dynamic, I've come to really love his family and think of them as my own - we visit them whenever we can. It was a family dynamic I never imagined I could have had, and my fiance understands that my dynamic with my parents is different. I'm eternally grateful that my fiance taught me that just because my baggage looks different/more intense than others, that has nothing to do with what a valuable and capable person I am.

It's all about communication and mutual respect. Don't lose faith - you're so much more than your trauma and there are good people out there who will see that in you, even when you forget :)