You have a story. About who you are, and what’s possible or not possible for you in love. Your story doesn’t necessarily live like words on a page. It’s more like an obscure field of energy that encompasses you. As though you were imprisoned by an invisible fence or, as psychotherapist Polly Young-Eisendrath describes it, caught in your own little

Yet I am suggesting that by becoming curious about how you’re showing up with others now as an adult that is allowing, and even encouraging, the pattern to continue, you just might access the power you need to finally outgrow it.

As unhealthy as the other person may be, toxic ties are usually the result of two unhealthy habits on your part. Number one, failing to speak your truth. And number two, failing to set appropriate boundaries.

George Bernard Shaw once said that our “…worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them.”

I become so disheartened sometimes listening to people telling me why they don’t need anyone to be happy in life. As though needing others was somehow a crutch. The truth is, we human beings are a pretty needy bunch.

Spiritual partnership implies the goal of inspiring and supporting the unfolding of each other’s souls in this journey through life.

Also make one or more plans that create possibilities for you to meet new people

These types of relationships—often with people who are not easily gotten rid of like a sibling, parent, or boss—suck the life force right out of us, draining much of our creativity and power, and reducing us to the least of who we are.

In his book Search for the Real Self, psychotherapist James Masterson