In the bill of rights, number 15 says, “I have the right to be honest in my relationships and to seek the same from others.” Is it notoriously difficult for us adult children to be honest with people, especially if it’s something that could be perceived as negative?

Because I can see that in myself, particularly when it comes to romantic relationships. I either let them drag on far too long or bottle up feelings that could’ve otherwise been addressed because I don’t know how to be honest with myself or with my partner in fear that they’ll get upset with me.

Wow, that’s it.. isn’t it? As I was typing that I realized, I’m afraid of what their reaction might be. My entire childhood was bottling up my emotions and walking on eggshells to try and not upset one of my parents. I thought I could do that by being quiet, by agreeing with everything they said, by denying myself. That gave me a false sense of protection against their wrath.

My most recent relationship wasn’t like that but I still struggle with setting boundaries and expressing how I feel. I broke up with them just last week and I’m already going back on what I said, partly because I don’t want to hurt them but also I do love them. I just needed to take some time away to do this healing as I felt I was becoming far too dependent on them for social and emotional needs as I have no friends. But I knew I didn’t want to get caught in this cycle again so I put a stop to it, and it was so hard to do. So I went back home, but we’ve talked about just taking a break instead of actually breaking up. But idk, I don’t care what it’s called as long as I can put the focus on myself to do this work.