The reason a person becomes dull is often not because they are inherently stupid, but because they have been in an environment of constant denial and suppression.

Being constantly denied will make people gradually give up thinking;
lack of trust will cause them to lose their own opinions;
restricted expression will slow down their thinking more and more;
not receiving recognition will make people lose their motivation to act;
frequent belittling will trigger deep self-doubt;
always being nitpicked will make people afraid to make decisions.
Over time, people will habitually conform, remain silent, and give up judgment.
It may seem like they have become dumber, but in fact, their thinking ability has been suppressed.
The true way to break the deadlock is not to force yourself to be “stronger,”
but to reduce or even distance yourself from those who continuously deny you,
and to return to a space that allows you to express yourself, make mistakes, be seen, and be affirmed.