Episode 9: How to Get What We Want: Connection in Relationships Without Forgoing Our Own Needs
In this episode we are continuing to discover what it means to honor ourselves in the relationship equation by taking a look at the expectations with which people approach relationships. We explore ways to be with our friends in their realities without making their reality our own.
Discussion Questions
When you consider how you relate to friends who are in pain, what are some misconceptions you’ve held in the past regarding what it means to be a good friend?
When you hear that you can be okay even if your friend is not okay, what comes up for you? Is that easy for you to believe, or hard?
Do you have a friendship where you feel your expectations and theirs are not aligned? Keeping in mind honoring yourself, how do you plan to approach this relationship moving forward?
Challenge:
This week when engaging with a friend who is upset, practice empathy by reflecting their feelings without necessarily agreeing with them. Email us at Relate@willowcreek.org and share with us on social media. We want to hear your stories, too, and might even share your story on a future Relate Podcast.
Resources and Next Steps:
Codependent No More, Melody Beattie
The Language of Letting Go, Melody Beattie
The Search for Significance, Robert McGee
In the Chicagoland area and interested in joining a group? We would love to help you find connection! Check out willowcreek.org/groupfinder