Welcome to Raw Reflections
This is where curiosity gets loud, opinions get honest, and no topic has to fit neatly into one box. Raw Reflections is a collection of deep dives, personal essays, cultural commentary, and the thoughts I probably spent way too long analyzing before turning them into a blog post.
Here, I write about true crime and courtroom drama, psychology and human behavior, motherhood and identity, relationships, pop culture, sports, media, and the experiences that shape the way we see the world. Some posts are heavily researched. Others are deeply personal. A lot of them are both.
If you like thoughtful analysis, strong opinions, uncomfortable questions, and writing that refuses to pretend life is simple—you’re in the right place.
Gaslighting Explained: How Abusers Rewire Your Sense of Reality
Gaslighting isn’t just someone lying to you — it’s someone convincing you to lie to yourself. In this post, I’m breaking down the psychology behind gaslighting, how abusers use it to make you question your reality, and how to take your power back when everything starts to feel like your fault. You’re not crazy. You were conditioned to forget who you are — and now it’s time to remember.
“But They’re Not That Bad”: How Minimization Keeps You in Toxic Situations
We’re taught to let things go, stay calm, and not “make it a big deal.” But what happens when that mindset becomes a form of self-gaslighting? This post unpacks the psychology of minimization — how we downplay mistreatment, why we do it, and how it traps us in toxic cycles. If you’ve ever said, “It wasn’t that bad,” this one’s for you.
Why You Still Miss the Person Who Hurt You: The Psychology of Trauma Bonding
Why do we stay attached to people who hurt us? This blog breaks down the psychology of trauma bonding—what it is, how it forms, and why it’s so hard to leave even when you’re being mistreated. If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or addicted to a toxic cycle, this one’s for you.
When Your Beliefs and Behavior Don’t Match: The Psychology of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort we feel when our beliefs and behavior don’t match. In this post, I break down what it is, where it shows up in everyday life, and how we unconsciously lie to ourselves to avoid emotional conflict. Self-awareness starts here.
They Hate You Because They Hate Themselves: The Psychology of Projection
Ever been accused of something out of nowhere and thought, “Wait… that’s not even me”? That’s projection. In this piece, I break down what it is, why people do it, how to protect yourself from it—and how to recognize when you might be projecting too.
You’re Not Smart Just Because You’re Loud: The Psychology of the Dunning-Kruger Effect
The Dunning-Kruger effect explains why the loudest person in the room is often the least informed. In this blog, Trinity Barnette breaks down the psychology of unearned confidence — and why real intelligence usually comes with doubt.