Hi
Dissociation isn't my primary issue these days but there were times in my past when it was prominent. It's manifested in different ways, typically I just "leave" but there have been times when it's like I've become the child I was (varying degrees from childlike to totally inhabiting a certain younger age of myself).

I've always been at least somewhat aware this happens to me and I'm not sure if someone saw it and said something to me how I would have responded. Obviously how they brought it up would make a huge difference but even if they did it gently with kindness I may have just felt embarrassed.

My question is, is there any way to acknowledge someone is showing dissociative states without hurting their feelings?

I ask because a friend of mine does this thing... He will be acting like and speaking in the tone of a child (maybe around 5 years) when we are alone together. His phone will ring and he'll answer it like an adult with an adult voice and demeanor like a switch was flipped. When he hangs up he goes back to being a child with me.
He doesn't seem to be aware he does this but I don't know because I haven't asked.

I try not to take it personally, I think he's dissociating but then I wonder why just with me? Or, maybe I've got it all wrong and something else is happening.

I've tried asking him if I stress him out or I'll ask him if he's doing alright when it happens. He says I don't stress him, the topic doesn't and he's ok. I ask him because, personally, i dissosciate when I'm overwhelmed by my environment.

Any feedback would be great.