Guilty by Dissociation

1. Don't talk.

Avoid bringing up the few things about your past that you can remember. If someone asks, ignore it and change the subject because it'll bring up old emotions that you worked so hard to shove down and probably trigger a switch anyway. The last thing you need is for someone you barely know to find out you're a multiple.

2. Don't trust.

Trust no one, usually not even yourself. It's unnecessary and it leaves you vulnerable (unless you hardcore follow rule 3). Once you let someone in and you trust them, it gives them power over you - they can hurt you. They can betray you. They can disappear. It usually triggers when those things happen because of everything that's happened before. The whole point is to prevent it from happening again.

3. Don't feel.

Being incapable of feeling most emotions gives you a one-up on this. If you have a full range, you better not show it. Expect nothing. Don't allow an emotion to trickle through and influence your decisions. Don't get your hopes up - it leaves room for more disappointment. Don't get too happy - you're going to crash later and the depression could lead to suicide. Don't get angry; shove it down and block it out instead. Anger triggers a switch. Depression triggers a (dangerous) switch. Disappointment leads to depression, so avoid it at all cost. And most importantly, don't talk about your emotions and don't trust your emotions.

Follow the 3 rules. It's how we cope. It's how we survive. Don't attempt to stray from the path and experiment by breaking one. Let a professional work with you. But until that can happen, it's best for everyone if you just live by the rules.