Asked by Woman, 27
Friends say it is bad. He says I am dramatic. I cannot tell which voice is mine.
Overreacting is a one-time spike. A toxic pattern is a repeating shape: you shrink, they deny, you apologize for needing air. Ask what a reasonable week looks like. If you cannot have a need without a trial, you are not dramatic. You are contained. Friends who see you over years are a better instrument than the person who benefits from your doubt.
If you need a jury to decide whether you are allowed to be upset, the relationship is already using your self-trust as fuel. Toxicity is less about one scream and more about walking on glass until you call glass 'standards.' You can be sensitive and still be right that this is unsafe.
List the last five conflicts. If four end with you comforting them for hurting you, stop calling it overreacting.
After both answers