************************************Denial covers the pain of the past * A blanket over the world * Lift a corner * Don't be afraid * Your life awaits you*************************************

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Basic Rules for Relationships

You listen to what others need.

You don’t offer what you can’t or don’t want to give.

You ask for what you need.

You take what is offered.

You do not take what is not offered.


Trust is given, not taken.
If someone violates a boundary, it is his or her offense.
If someone does it again, it is your mistake.

Obviously, this can’t apply to children. A child has no choice. She has to trust that adults will do what is right, that her needs will be met, that care will be given.

Trust.
A child has so much trust because she has no choice.

When a boundary is violated, a child doesn't learn not to trust – because that isn't possible. Instead, she learns that she is powerless, that it is hopeless, that she is vulnerable and that the world is a scary and dangerous place. She learns not to ask for what she needs because she will only be given what others decide she will have. She learns to give whatever others want – even before they ask – because she doesn't know she has a choice.

It takes a very long time for that child to learn the basic rules.

I don't have to try to guess what others need.
I can wait to hear what others truly need.
I can decide if I can and will meet those needs for others.

I can ask for what I need.
I can take what is offered.
I can find another way to meet my needs if the person I ask can't help me.

And if someone tries to take what is mine,
what is not offered,
it is not okay!
I don’t have to let anyone take what is mine!
I can be angry and I can say that I am angry, that I will not tolerate it, and I have a choice
a choice!
Who to spend time with and who to stay away from.

I have a choice.

6 comments:

  1. AMEN! No one should ever take what is not offered. The world would be a much better place.

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  2. so many truths here thankyou for reminding us of some of them

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  3. Thank you all for reading. I've resolved my latest issue with my father. Saying I was angry was a huge part of this resolution.

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  4. I love this post!!! So true. Every word. Thank you for writing this :)

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  5. You're welcome, Katie. Thanks for come by :-)
    This post was written by an immerging part of me - that ever elusive twelve-year-old. She's getting to be wise beyond her years.

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Co Creation

Co Creation
We create the life we live

Love your inner child...

...for she holds the key...

...to your personal power.
A lesson is woven into each day.
Together they make up the tapestries of our lives.
~Shen