When we are brought up in dysfunctional homes, we develop behavioral patterns that are harmful and can affect our adult relationships. This can create a sense of mystery, leaving us feeling frightened and out of control, often resorting to destructive behaviors to avoid confronting these hidden truths. Childhood trauma can affect our coping skills since we grow up employing poor coping skills to fight or flight through chaos and conflict. As young children, we learn primarily through observation and imitation, absorbing the dynamics around us. This can lead to poor coping skills and a lack of understanding regarding our own behaviors. Shutting down: When faced with a confrontation or a disagreement, we tend to shut down or withdraw completely. Laughing: We try to not make people uncomfortable around us, and hence we laugh and smile and pretend to be happy even when we are hurt. Low confidence: We think that others are better off taking decisions and that we are not capable enough. Hence, we let them override our decisions and think that their decisions are better than ours. Cut people out: When faced with a difficulty, we focus on cutting the person out of life rather than addressing the issue. Apologising: When we are brought up in dysfunctional homes, we learn to walk on eggshells to avoid conflict. Hence, we are always apologising to not offend someone.