I’m quite curious to learn about the particular mechanisms behind the phenomenon as well, but what I know for sure is that my plural friend got a big boost to their self-esteem and overall mental wellness when they came out to me and got an affirming response.

Whether their alters are distinct individuals, shards of a fragmented self, or something else entirely, I’ve found that taking people at their word when they tell you who they are and treating them how they ask to be treated to be a mutually-beneficial social habit. They get the comfort of not having to mask themselves around me, and I get to learn from a whole new perspective on the human experience. 🤗