I get what you mean, theoretical! I can't tell you for sure why it may happen in certain situations and not in others. Perhaps it has to do with how you feel in that given moment. If you already feel anxious and stressed out of your own for example, that may lead to you freezing out more easily. Perhaps you just freeze out when there isn't an immediate danger? After all that's what happened with your father, right? He may not have been "dangerous" but he was certainly scary to you. I'm not sure. Just some thoughts for you! Are you seeing a therapist right now? Perhaps you can try to consider that option fi you want. Either way, I wish you plenty of peace and love. Sending many safe, warm hugs to you, theoretical, and to ALL the people you love and who love you!