Lifeline...

We want to be happy, but in relationships we face inevitable moments of friction when faced with conflicting wants and needs. What to do? Well, we may as well roll up our sleeves and problem solve from the get-go. They say "Teach people how you want to be treated," but this has always sounded somewhat adversarial to me. How about getting on the same side and throwing out a lifeline? If we get stuck in blame and disappointment, we won't be building much of a bridge. I like this quote instead: "You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem." (Leroy Eldridge Cleaver, American writer and political activist). Good therapists advise against living in a victim or poor me place. Instead, we can actively ask for things we need and want. We can help the important people in our lives approach us in the "right" way, so we can all have a better shot at peace and joy. Just sayin' :)

Blessings,

Chatgirl