If someone I trust and/or care about screams at me in anger, the way I cope is quite simple. I go to the bathroom, lock the door, and sit in the farthest corner I can (usually the shower), with my arms hugging my knees and my face buried. I wait for the pain to fade and try my best not to cry. They may knock and tell me to open the door, to come out, that they’re sorry, but in that moment I seem to be frozen. I don’t move. I am a child again, grasping for dear life at the little safe place I have left. Think of your happy place, the therapist said, think of your happy place. I almost forget where I am and I’ve been doing this on occasion since I was a little girl. Does it help? Somewhat, only temporarily. The words stick for as long as my mind wants them to.