#hive system

[thehivesystem]

Riverside Hive

My partner system is growing, and so is my love and support for them.

[thehivesystem]

Doodles of the Hive System and I (Tea) driving in a car. Probably going to McDonalds haha.

[thehivesystem]

Just a doodle of Scout and I (Tea) watching Noxemis play a video game called Hollow Knight. It’s a beautiful experience we recommend for everyone!

[thehivesystem]

Notes on Switching from an NOS’ Perspective

NOS is a term the Hive gave me that means “NOt a System.” The community’s term for it will not be used on this blog (feel like I gotta say this for a while).

Just want to clarify before anyone continues reading that these are merely things I have come to understand from my relationship with the Hive thus far (eight-ish months now?) and the words from other systems I’ve seen on YouTube or via Tumblr.

Systems are more often than not uncomfortable when other people can witness them switch. So to circumvent that, if you notice your friend/family member/partner switching, turn your gaze elsewhere unless they say it’s alright!

If it’s in public, perhaps causing a subtle distraction away from their person could give them a moment of privacy, but please be careful not to make tons of noise or cause alarm, as that could startle or trigger the system and whoever is trying to front.

Sometimes switching can be slow, and it’s essential to be patient and let it pass, meaning don’t wave your hand in their face, don’t incessantly call their names, don’t touch them unless you know who is leaving and who is fronting and you have BOTH of their permissions to touch them while switching, don’t snap your fingers at them (God, literally do that to anyone), and don’t get impatient if it takes longer than you would like it to. You should respect the system and give the space, time, and comfort they need if possible.

Maybe the system would like to leave the room, or lie down or they need to be in the dark. Whatever they need in order for this to feel safe, easy, and relaxing. Please just let them, because I’m told it’s always a hard process and it leaves them feeling dissociated and dizzy, often giving them headaches. Switching can happen anywhere at any time, and it takes a LOT of effort to stop or put it off, so just support your friend/family member/partner and give them what they need.

Sometimes switching is fast, or even unnoticeable and suddenly another alter is fronting. That’s okay, too!! And when it happens, don’t complain how you weren’t done talking to X, don’t be upset with the current alter for fronting (sometimes fronting isn’t even voluntary), and by God DO NOT TRY TO TRIGGER SOMEONE ELSE OUT UNLESS YOU HAVE THE SYSTEM’S PERMISSION TO DO SO. Imagine being forced into a conversation that was stressing you out and you’re suddenly wearing someone else’s skin and face, you don’t feel right in your body and it’s extremely uncomfortable and even terrifying because you don’t know what’s going on.

When there is a switch happening, you be patient, welcoming, and understanding. Anything else and you’re risking a bad situation and possibly breaking trust. Ah, one thing I neglected to mention is that every system is unique in function and therefore should be asked on what and how they need to be treated during moments like this.

If I find out any more then I’ll be adding to this post in the future. If any systems or partners of systems would like to inform me of something I’m unaware of or wrong about, that is always welcome! For now, here are some of the main sources I learned from:

Spending time with the Hive

@dissociadid‘s YouTube video How to React to a Switch

- Tea

[thehivesystem]

The Hive and I - Process

Heyo~~ here’s some art of the Hive System and me, the girlfriend. Had to draw something nice because they’ve left for their month-long trip and won’t be able to talk to me that much. :’D

I miss them already.

[thehivesystem]

Squiggles - Hive System Doodle

A doodle of an alter in my partner system and I! One of his favorite games to play is to count the squiggly lines on his mattress. He’s so cute, I hope he’s found some other things to count at camp. I miss him dearly.

[thehivesystem]

Reminder - Hive System Doodle

An alter in my partner system gifted me a golden heart locket to kiss whenever I missed him while he was away. While he’s away at camp, it’s the easiest reminder for me that his heart is by my side still. I miss him.

[thehivesystem]

Surprise! - Hive System Doodle

This is a doodle I did for an alter in my partner system while he’s away at camp. I miss so much. I can’t wait for him to come home so we can bake cakes together.