Wolfin,

Hi and welcome to PC. I am sorry that you went through that experience that resulted in your having this reaction to this type of situation. It is called and exaggerated startle response and it IS troubling.

Your sense of safety was put at risk a few years ago and whenever that happens you DO become more sensitive.

You need to keep reminding yourself that while you were startled it was not what happened a few years ago and you are ok. Then you have to allow yourself to slow down your breathing and take in Deep breaths, slowly down into your stomach, hold and slowly exhale. When we are startled we tend to also take short breaths which is what we do when we are also under the stress of a real threat. So by slowing that down you gain more control and that also tells your brain that you are safe and no need for high alert to continue.

I think you need to tell this man the truth, that you experienced a robbery in the past and that kind of behavior still upsets you. You don't have to go into that you have PTSD or anything else.

(((Hugs))))
Open Eyes