A thought pattern that twists perception, leading someone to interpret a situation through the lens of fear, insecurity, past hurt, or an unexamined belief rather than what is actually happening. These distortions often form in childhood or during emotionally intense seasons, when the mind tries to make sense of situations without enough support or clarity. Over time, they become automatic, shaping how someone reads tone, intention, closeness, conflict, or disappointment.

Distortions can make a small moment feel personal, turn neutrality into threat, or turn uncertainty into rejection, because the mind reaches for an old meaning instead of the truth in front of it. When a person begins to notice these distortions with awareness, they create room for more accurate understanding, and the mind gradually learns to separate past pain from present reality, allowing interpretation to become clearer and more aligned with what is actually unfolding.