Category: boundaries
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What’s required?
I explained to Mary Elizabeth, my college-student daughter, that her dad and I were going to a Sunday School brunch and then church services on Easter Sunday. “You’re welcome to come with us,” I told her. “Am I required to go?” she asked. I paused a moment and then smiled. “We would like for you…
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Building better boundaries
When I was married to my first husband, I was still a pleaser. My ex-husband loved to tease me, and I hated to be teased. He once called me his “petite pachyderm” when I was pregnant, and I acted as if I thought he was funny even though I felt humiliated and angry. I was…
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Strong boundaries/weak boundaries
Joy called me and asked how I am doing and then all of a sudden I realized I was talking about how my daughter Ranna is doing. Why did I feel uneasy? Because I was not honoring the boundaries between myself and my adult daughter. Ranna was listening to my phone conversation, and she understood…
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What if someone is critical of you?
On my first date after my divorce, I went swimming with a handsome young man. Because I knew that I was still vulnerable and my self-esteem was low, I wanted to look my best. I wore a modest two-piece bathing suit. It was pink with lace, and I was sure that I looked my best.…