Living with Integrity Improves Relationships

Having integrity mean living honestly as yourself. It means sharing your thoughts, feelings, values and beliefs. You also stand up for yourself or set boundaries in line with these. To have this, you first have to build selfawareness.

Many people go along to get along, disregarding what their gut or intuition is telling them. They may feel miserable because their desires or wishes don’t get fulfilled.

You can use this concept in your relationships whether it is with your partner, your child or your friend. It could also pertain to your work relationships, with your boss or that coworker you find it hard to be around.

This does not give you permission to be aggressive or walk all over somebody else’s desires, wishes, or needs. Really, the only control you have if what you will or won’t do.

How do you stand up for yourself if you don’t know what you think or how
you feel?

Additionally, did you know that the top indicator of divorce is when a couple never disagrees?

Why is that? My guess is because someone is backing down or doing something called “fawning” where they give into the other person to keep the peace.

In the long run both parties lose because eventually there will be enough resentment built up between them that at least one person in the couple will stop wanting to be around the other.

This week, take the time to notice when you are giving in when somebody else has a different opinion.

Hint: there may be times when expressing an opinion is not appropriate.
Speaking your mind does not mean throwing ugly words or being aggressive to others.

PS This may be a good time to mention that I do workshops on this and other “Living Your Best Self” topics. Put yourself on the Interest/waiting list if you’re dealing with ongoing pain or stress and want therapeutic support.

Improve yourself in order to improve your relationships. Please click on the provided link to express your interest. I’ll share more details as the event approaches.