It has to go both ways.
Relationships should be relationships…not transactions.
So if all they are doing is taking, taking, taking…it’s time to communicate. Speak up. Tell them how you feel. Tell them what you think needs to be done in order to grow the relationship. Give them the chance to make some changes.
And if they don’t, it’s time for them to go.
Strong healthy boundaries are about communicating from a place of wisdom and establishing lines in the sand that protect everyone. Most of all, you have to make sure you are looking after yourself. If you aren’t your biggest advocate, who will be?
This is about honoring and respecting who you are. It’s not about holding anger, resentment, grudges or bitterness. It’s about making sure that the environment you’re in is a healthy place for you to expand and unfold.
Relationships are beautiful. Having people in your life who bring in joy, love you like crazy and can support you when you’ve fallen is one of the best gifts of all.
But you have to cultivate that. That garden doesn’t just show up randomly and grow itself. It’s created intentionally. It’s nurtured with purpose.
Look after yourself.
Make sure you’re surrounded with people who bring out the best in you.
Continue to cultivate those relationships day in and day out and watch your life bloom.
That’s what it’s all about.
Evan Sanders
The Better Man Project