for me it has nothing to do with coping, it’s a personality/brain(?) thing. wasn’t a decision so much as something i just noticed after a bit & needed to think on a little more. i know that i am who i am because i simply do. though i don’t act anything like i used to, “my insides are the same”- that’s the only way i can think to word it, it’s complicated. honestly, i’ve never thought so much about how to answer those questions outside my social circle. i’ll sort out my thoughts and try later.