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Relationship Goals


17 years ago 0 35 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Confused, You definitly are right on the money with what you said! For a really long time I've been struggling with how I've had alot of difficulty with my (romantic) relationships when I try so hard to make it work. My therapist gently brought me to see how that can lead to being easily manipulated by the wrong type of man. Thank you for your support and your insight. Your goal suggestion is a good one, and, a-ha, OK, now I understand and can see some do-able things to help. (I'm a slow-learner,too, but good at remembering what I've learned!)
17 years ago 0 183 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Taking care of yourself, as a people-pleaser, isn't selfish -- we just tend to get into relationships, romantic or otherwise, where people get used to us doing everything to please them and then reinforce our feeling of being selfish when we try to do something just for us. I try to keep the oxygen in the airplane analogy in mind: they tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then on your children or others who need help. I made a promise to myself, after my divorce and a few other experiences that made me finally realize that pleasing someone all the time isn't good for my mental or physical health over the long term (I'm a slow learner, sometimes), that I will start each new relationship as I mean to continue it. I don't know if you've got yourself into the imbalance in give/take with your fiance, Kera7, but if you have, you may want to choose as a goal one small thing that would move you toward a better balance -- "I will say no to running any errand for him that will take me more than 30 minutes out of my way." I'm making assumptions based on my experiences -- I hope I'm not too far off. You're a strong and good person -- you pulled yourself back from the brink for the sake of yourself and your children. You deserve to be respected for your feelings, whether someone agrees with or understands them or not.
17 years ago 0 8760 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Kera7, Again, continue working through the program. As you move through your sessions, you'll be able to tackle some of the issues in your relationship not only with your husband but with others as well. Danielle ____________________ The DC Support Team
17 years ago 0 35 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Thank you, Oly. I've been really making an effort to work on our relationship, but feel like I'm trying to go up-river with only one oar. I've invited him to come to my therapist and my psychiatrist with me so that they could possibly explain to him a bit about depression. I even printed out information for him from this site. Lately, he seems to be way more insensitive then ever. I swear, I don't use my depression as an "excuse" for my behavior (as he has been implying) but as a part of me that I can fix. I almost lost the battle with depression, but thankfully, made it through and got myself to the doctor. I know it's not recommended to make a big decision when you're depressed, but looking back at my activity schedules, I see how I'm becoming increasingly depressed around him. I guess it's time to be "selfish" and take care of myself.
17 years ago 0 3 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I think part of my problem with my ex was the fact I didn't tell him how I felt in the right way. I'd feel sad and tell him about my past-- experiences that made me depressed, rather than tell him how I felt NOW. I also was always trying to "help him feel better", be more confident, you're worth it, you can do it, etc.. But my prompting got lost and I think he ended up resenting the closeness-- even said "Our closeness scared me." I'll never understand how closeness can be a bad thing, but I've tended to get involved with guys who feel that way. I want to definitely figure out a way to start a new relationship on the right foot. Just joined a dating site again and have started to speak to a few guys-- nothing earth-shattering yet, but some hope. Hang in there, Kera. Remember you are worth having people please you, too. Oly
17 years ago 0 8760 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Kera7, First off, know that you're not alone. Being honest & open with someone can leave you feeling vulnerable and this can be hard for anyone. Try to work at this together and come up with a goal together. It could be something small like: Ex: I will tell my husband how I'm feeling _____ (sad, angry, hopeless, happy...) once a day. This helps to start opening the lines of communication between the two of you. Build from there. Also be sure to keep working through the program. Session 11 focuses specifically on understanding relationships. Your husband may also benefit from reading through our educational section. If he understands depression and the effects it has on individuals, it may help him understand your behaviors or how you feel. Lastly, you may also want to consider getting professional help together and/or separate. Hope this helps. Danielle ____________________ The DC Support Team
17 years ago 0 35 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
One of the main things that I would like to improve is my relationship with my fiance. I'm not sure how to set a goal about "doing" rather than "feeling" for this. I tend to be the "people-pleaser" type that sacrifices myself for others. Top it off with not feeling understood and having a difficult time relating my feelings and things tend to spiral in a bad way. Any suggestions?

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