After my initial rape, I found myself in other encounters that I thought were “normal.” I convinced myself I had to go along, that it was expected. But deep down, I never felt comfortable. I was nervous, anxious, even a bit nauseous 🤢—a physical warning I couldn’t ignore.

At the time, I didn’t realize it, but those feelings were my body’s way of saying “No.” Even if I acted as if I was consenting, the unease inside me was real. I was acting out of pressure, uncertainty, and fear—but that is not true consent.

This taught me a crucial lesson: anytime you feel uncomfortable, anxious, or unsafe, it is a clear sign to pay attention. Your body has its own wisdom, its own language, and it speaks through feelings that can’t be ignored. Healing begins when we start listening to those signals again, trusting ourselves, and reclaiming our boundaries.

Your discomfort is valid. Your “no” matters. And recognizing it is a powerful step toward freedom, safety, and true consent.