11/30/2022
You are not responsible for other people's feelings. In other words, it's not all about you. Ouch! Did that sting a bit? Let me sort it out...
Unless we do something intentionally hurtful to another person, the feelings that they experience belong solely to them alone. Similarly, others are not responsible for our feelings. This is called "the balance of responsibility" within a relationship. Failing to recognize where you end, and another person begins, introduces manipulation and codependence into the system. Mom, I hate to break it to you, but this is true even for our children. When we assume responsibility for someone else's feelings, we rob them of the opportunity to grow and develop by introducing a power differential. So how do we manage this?
1. Boundaries - You are not them, they are not you. Know what you are responsible for. Make a list of what you feel responsible for. Once you have that list, examine it and pull out the responsibilities that are not really yours into another list. Be patient and curious in this first step - the things that are NOT yours may be hard to spot at first.
2. Practice NOT rescuing others. This will be hard at first, it may create anxiety. Use positive self-talk to encourage yourself through this change.
3. Be Assertive - Be assertive about what you need from others, and ask them to be assertive about what they need from you. You have the choice to say no to their requests, and they have the freedom to make their own mistakes.
4. Inform others - Be open and honest with your family and friends about trying to make some changes. Communicate that you have your, and their, best interests at heart. There may be some frustration from those who are used to you "saving" them.
If this is something you'd like to work on then message me and we can set up an appointment. I have openings right now for time-limited coaching in the areas of codependency, trauma healing, grief and anxiety management.
Some great reading on this subject below:
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life - Henry Cloud & John Townsend
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself - Melody Beattie
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