When you hear the words “emotionally neglected”, you probably don’t picture a person who is particularly strong.
You might think of someone who is a victim, someone who is vulnerable or has been taken advantage of, or even a helpless person like a child.
This isn’t necessarily an accurate idea of an emotionally neglected person, however.
Often those who have been forced to endure hardship and neglect are the strongest of us all.
Below are 5 surprising special strengths of people who have gone through emotional abuse and neglect.
1. Independence.
Those who never get their emotional needs met learn pretty quickly that the only person they may be able to truly rely on is themselves.
Instead of looking to external sources for fulfillment or support of any kind, they become totally self sufficient.
They know what their needs are and how to take care of them without any help from others.
2. Positivity.
This may sound counterintuitive at first, but it actually makes a lot of sense when you really think about it.
People who have long suffered abuse or neglect in their relationships have often made it through hard times by developing a strong sense of optimism and an incredibly positive attitude.
They value the little joys in life and can always find a silver lining, even in the darkest situation.
3. Empathy.
It seems as though this type of neglect should make a person hard and cold toward others, but generally the opposite is actually true.
When someone goes through something that is very painful and traumatic for them, they don’t want others to suffer in the same way.
They become very attuned to the emotions and feelings of those around them and can easily walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
4. A giving nature.
Those who have been emotionally neglected are very good at making something out of nothing. This includes things like love, warmth and support.
They foster these things and then spread them as much as they can, expecting nothing in return.
These people know better than anyone that these are the things the world is far too lacking in, and they are always happy to share them.
They are naturally inclined toward generosity and would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it.
5. Adaptability.
Emotionally neglected people have spent so much of their time and energy acquiescing to the wants and needs of others that they no longer expect to ever get their own way.
While this is unfortunate and unhealthy in a relationship, it does cultivate a profound ability to adjust to pretty much any situation or circumstance.
Nobody is better at simply going with the flow than those who have suffered emotional neglect.
It may not have served them well in the duration of their abusive experience, but it definitely can and will benefit them once they’re out there making a new life for themselves!
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