Relinquish your resentments.

Is there someone we need to talk to, even though what we have to say may be uncomfortable?

The more we learn to love and respect ourselves, the more we will become attracted to people who will love and respect us and who we can safely love and respect. This is a slow process.

In dysfunctional families, shame can be tagged to healthy behaviors such as talking about feelings, making choices, taking care of ourselves, having fun, being successful, or even feeling good about ourselves.

powerless

loved.

We can learn to own our power with difficult people.

We do not have to act in haste; we do not have to punish others to get control over our feelings.

Shame may have been attached to asking for what we want and need, to communicating directly and honestly, and to giving and receiving love.