We all have them in our life: People we can’t trust. People who just don’t get us. They tell us they want to know what we’re thinking. They may encourage us — even beg us — to talk, saying they really want to know what’s behind our silence. Then when we do start sharing, they immediately begin to criticize, judge, put down, or ignore some of our thoughts and feelings. In short, they’re not Safe People.
Your thoughts and feelings are precious, sacred. They belong to you and are part of who you are. And they deserve respect. Cherish them. Jesus put it this way,
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” ~ Matthew 7:6
So do you avoid telling your partner what you really think or feel? Nearly half of those who have taken the Couples Quiz answered “yes” to this question. Was your partner one of them?
Next time, we’ll talk about what to do when someone you love says something you disagree with.