Missy,
Thank you for sharing...this was very insightful! It really is true that we "take on" other people's stresses and problems, and we have a lot of control to stop this. Of course, there is a balance between caring about someone and listening to them vent...but then they need to eventually move into problem-solving, as it is emotionally draining to continue endlessly being the sounding-board for someone else.
That is difficult to do...to say, "I love you, but I am not able to devote my emotional energy on listening to your venting on this [XYZ topic] any longer. We've gone through different scenarios, pros/cons, and now I will support you in any decision you make."
I agree---getting lots of "YOU" time, no matter what stage-of-life you are in, is of utmost importance. If you don't have alone time, it is difficult to be a good partner, mother, daughter or friend.
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Missy,
Thank you for sharing...this was very insightful! It really is true that we "take on" other people's stresses and problems, and we have a lot of control to stop this. Of course, there is a balance between caring about someone and listening to them vent...but then they need to eventually move into problem-solving, as it is emotionally draining to continue endlessly being the sounding-board for someone else.
That is difficult to do...to say, "I love you, but I am not able to devote my emotional energy on listening to your venting on this [XYZ topic] any longer. We've gone through different scenarios, pros/cons, and now I will support you in any decision you make."
I agree---getting lots of "YOU" time, no matter what stage-of-life you are in, is of utmost importance. If you don't have alone time, it is difficult to be a good partner, mother, daughter or friend.
October 18, 2009 - 6:58pmThis Comment
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