Harrell (1995) uses the "five d's of differences" to explain people's reactions to situations in which they feel different. they are distancing, denial, defensiveness, devaluing, and discovery.

Distancing: Avoiding situations in which one feels different

Denial: Pretending that differences do not exist

Defensiveness: Defending or protecting oneself from pain and fear

Devaluing: Evaluating a difference from oneself as unimportant or deficient

Discovery: Embracing differences and seeking opportunities to gain familiarity.

Support each one with a specific example of when you have withdrawn from a setting/person for this reason.