I agree with Anthony as well, we are different after the trauma. Completely! To the point where I personally am struggling to let go of who I was before the trauma, because I am never going to be that person again. PTSD is permanent, and it changes your personality.

And that is such a good point Tammy, about undermining your partner's abilities. I don't have a partner, but if my parents and family do too much for me or don't respect my boundaries in various ways, not only do I feel like withdrawing... but as you say I feel like they think I'm incompetent. Like I'm retarded or something and can't make my own decisions. It's condescending and patronizing.