((((((((((((((Rhapsody)))))))))))))))
I know it's hard but I think it's "normal" to have a side of us that is like that. Because our lives were most likely not all a bed of roses so to speak, there are parts of us that dealt with things the way they needed to.
It may be that that part is integrated now and that barrier is gone. If might be that this is part of who Carol is as well.
If it turns out to be a part not yet dealt with, that's okay too, though I know it would be very disheartening.
Try not to borrow trouble if you can. If something needs to be dealt with, it will happen when the brain is ready to deal with it.
I know it's hard Rhapsody and I'm so sorry. Please take good care. I know you are under much stress right now. I hope it will be lessened for you soon.