Annie constantly feels overwhelmed by all she has to do. There are so many competing demands on her time – family obligations, social invitations, work deadlines, household chores, community events she’d like to attend, and the ever-elusive self-care. She hates to disappoint people, so even though she’s stretched too thin already, she finds herself saying yes to every request, […]
Tag Archives: boundaries
6 Defining Symptoms of Codependency
We use the term codependency rather loosely these days. It’s great that more people are familiar with codependency, but if it’s going to help us understand ourselves in a meaningful way, we need to be clear about the symptoms of codependency. In a nutshell, people who identify as codependent usually play the role of “rescuer” in a relationship with […]
How to Set Boundaries Without Being Mean
Do you ever feel like it’s mean or selfish to set boundaries? Do you feel guilty — like you’re doing something wrong — when you set boundaries? If so, read on to learn how to set boundaries without being mean and without the guilt and icky feeling that your needs don’t matter. What are boundaries? Boundaries create physical and emotional […]
Therapist Recommended Books for Adult Children of Alcoholics
This post contains affiliate links. After my earlier blog post about growing up in an alcoholic family, I got a lot of requests for additional reading suggestions. We are fortunate that there are many helpful books for Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) on healing codependency, trauma, and relationship challenges. Below are some of my reading suggestions for adults who […]
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (Especially if You Are Codependent)
Have you broken up with your significant other, but can’t seem to completely let go? Are you struggling to end an on-again-off-again relationship once and for all? Are you trying to figure out how to move on from a codependent relationship? It’s normal to feel conflicted about whether you should end a relationship — whether it’s a romantic relationship, […]
Boundaries: The Solution for Feeling Overwhelmed
Jill feels overwhelmed. Jill has been working 12-hour days all week. She’s barely seen her son, let alone spent any quality time with him, which leaves her feeling guilty. Her 11-year-old is nagging her to have three friends over to watch a movie on Friday night, but Jill is exhausted. It’s Mother’s Day weekend and she still hasn’t gotten […]
Detach from Difficult People without Justifying, Arguing, Defending, and Explaining
Are you familiar with the acronym JADE? It’s a reminder to not justify, argue, defend, and explain. If you’re you repeatedly drawn into conversations or arguments that seem to go nowhere, feel compelled to respond to accusations that you know are false, or feel like you have to justify your behavior or choices to a “difficult” family member, please read […]
How to Support Your Spouse in Addiction Recovery
This post contains affiliate links. Realizing your partner has a problem with alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, gambling, or any other addiction is a very painful reality. The best case scenario is that your partner also recognizes his/her addiction and seeks help in order to recover. Unfortunately, recovery doesn’t go in a straight line. Most addicts struggle with denial, relapse, and changing […]