You open up to a good girlfriend about the challenges you are facing with your family. You are overwhelmed and not sure on how to set a limit in a kind and clear way. You know you need to, (maybe you have needed to for a while) but then she says something that leaves you stumped.
“But they are family!” or
“Well, we all make mistakes” or
“Sounds like she was just kidding…”
And you freeze.
You begin to recoil.
She is right, you think. They ARE family. They didn’t mean it. I am just being too sensitive. I need to forgive and move on.
Have you been there?
These statements are what I call ROADBLOCKS. They are the seemingly harmless comments that leave you second guessing yourself, doubting your boundary, and afraid and unable to set and maintain a much needed limit.
My hope is that you don’t let them.
Be mindful to not let others inject you with their opinions, thoughts or ideas. They may mean well, but this doesn’t mean a comment like this can’t derail your progress. You are allowed to set boundaries, even with family members. Yes, they are family. Yes, we all make mistakes. Yes, sometimes people are only just kidding. But this doesn’t negate your need for healthy limits within your relationships.
Head up, friend. These only become detours or stumbling blocks if you let them.
