Things I Wish Humans Knew Lived Expert Panel - June 2025

Summary

How can Humans build trust, support their Lived Experts to feel safe, and strengthen their relationships? This panel featured Lived Experts and was moderated by Lived Expert Coordinator Charlene April, to hear directly from Living Experts on what kinds of relationship building approaches would be helpful on permanency journeys.

Soundbites & Takeaways We Loved!

• I’m not a project—I’m a person. Please don’t try to “fix” me. I need connection, not correction.

• Trust is earned slowly. I might pull away sometimes—it’s not rejection, it’s protection. Keep showing up.

• Consistency matters more than words. Promises are easy. Being there when it's hard means everything.

• I carry things I might not talk about. You don’t need to understand it all—just don’t minimize what I’ve survived.

• Let me set the pace. Don’t rush me to open up, bond, or accept your help. Give me time to breathe.

• I still need family, even if I’m grown. Just because I aged out doesn’t mean I don’t need someone to call when life falls apart—or to celebrate with when it doesn’t.

• It’s okay to not have all the answers. I value honesty over perfection. “I don’t know, but I’m here” is powerful.

• My love might look different. I might not say it, but I notice when you show up—and I care more than I let on.

• I’ve had to be strong for too long. If I seem tough, it’s because I had to be. Help me feel safe enough to be soft.

• Being chosen matters. You didn’t have to let me in—and knowing you chose to means more than you realize.