Relationships are important to all human beings, but they’re particularly important to women. On the whole, we tend to define ourselves by our relationships more than men do. Many of us are either codependent or at least have codependent characteristics.
You’ve seen the t-shirts that say “If Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” You could easily change that to “Momma ain’t happy if someone else ain’t happy.” (OK, it’s not as catchy, but you get the idea.) Many of us spend a lot of time and energy trying to make sure everyone else is happy, then get frustrated when there doesn’t seem to be anyone who is trying equally hard to make us happy.
Then there’s the word “No.” How many of us can say “no” easily and without guilt (except maybe to our partners or kids)? We’re more likely to say “yes” even though we don’t have the time, energy, or desire to do whatever is being asked of us. Then we end up exhausted and cranky.
Many of my clients are women who grew up in alcoholic homes and then ended up marrying alcoholics, workaholics, or addicts. Unfortunately, growing up in an alcoholic or similarly dysfunctional home doesn’t equip us to deal in a healthy way with many of the situations we face as adults. Instead, it leads to problems like:
If what I’ve said sounds like you, take heart. You can change. Life can get better, and you can find ways to get your needs met.
If you come to me for counseling, I will listen to you (really listen to you in a way that you may never have experienced before) and help you to find the answers you’re looking for.
Click here to make an appointment.
You can also contact me, email me at info@beallpastoralcounseling.com, or call me at 443-458-4221.
645 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd.
Suite 107
Severna Park, MD 21146
Phone: 443-458-4221
Toll-free: 877-426-9272
Fax: 443-458-0422
info@beallpastoralcounseling.com