It's human nature to crave relationships, support, and love. In fact, we biologically need close relationships to thrive and survive - we were never meant to do this alone. 

When it comes to your relationships, do you...

• Attract the same toxic partner (just in different bodies) over and over again?
• Always seem to feel taken advantage of and depleted?
• Feel riddled with guilt at the prospect of telling someone "no"?
• Have a difficult time asking for help or accepting help?
• Feel like you have no energy left for yourself after taking care of everyone else? 
• Try, but fail, to understand why it feels like everyone ends up treating you poorly? 
• Feel resentful and under-appreciated? 
• Feel like every relationship has an "expiration date", because relationships don't last, right? 
• Have a difficult time saying sorry, even when you know you were wrong and want to apologize?

Growing up, many of us were taught to be "compliant children"...  you know, that whole "do what I said because I said so, no questions asked" sort of thing? This type of environment teaches us to suppress our own needs, feelings, and emotions in order to make those around us happy. This teaches us it's not safe to have needs, self-advocate, or tell others "no" - even as adults.  

What about those of us who grew up in a chaotic, unstable, and abusive environments, and want nothing more than to be loved? Unfortunately, our subconscious will always choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven. Meaning, if we've been traumatized, when we find a healthy, caring, consistent, and loving partner, we may reject it, test it, or sabotage it because it's so unfamiliar (subconsciously). On the other hand, when we meet someone who's bad for us, that feels familiar - and that neglectful, narcissistic, or abusive person will be the one we love endlessly.  

A person's attachment style, past trauma, and sense of self-worth can predict:

• How they'll communicate in relationships
• How/why they get triggered in relationships
• How they'll react to conflict
• What type of partner they will attract  

Whether we're discussing your relationship with your co-worker, your spouse, your sibling, or your friends, having healthy relationships in your life will be comprised several core components and skills. 

Healing attachment wounds, whether from childhood or from a past betrayal, and learning how to be vulnerable, communicate our needs, resolve conflict, set boundaries, and self-advocate is fundamental in improving the quality of our relationships. 

Please reach out to me for a free consultation if you're interested in learning how to navigate and improve the quality of your relationships!