The Radical Guide to Being Your Own Primary Partner | Radical Relating

We might ‘dissociate’ and do the opposite: we check out, numb ourselves, engage in escapism, or fixate harder on connecting with others. In a state of dissociation, it is hard to advocate for our needs, our boundaries, and our limits. In addition, many of us have excellent auto-pilot functions and masking skills for when we dissociate, which can so... See more

What we often think of as needs are actually strategies for addressing our needs. For example, you might want a cup of coffee in the morning. That’s not a need (much as it might feel like it is!). The need might be to feel more alert. Or to warm up. Or to engage in a shared social activity with a loved one in the kitchen. The cup of coffee is a str... See more