Oh Art, your piece is so incredibly pained. I understand this. I so admire your ability to recognise your feelings but also to see the filter you are viewing them through.

You freezing with your friends. Not fleeing (running) or fighting (sticking up for yourself) is such a common response when faced with a threat.

Most people think it’s fight or flight. But it’s freeze, flight or fight. Glad you felt better after writing this 😀