unsafe Archives ⋆ Mike and Susan Dawson

15 Steps to Recognize Unsafe Relationships and Protect Yourself

michaeldawsonlpc@gmail.com2024-01-08T01:16:58+00:00Relationships|

Handling difficult situations is often distressing. It can be just plain hard on us. Many times we have fears or doubts about how we will be perceived. What’s the best way to handle an issue or, how to be assertive and take a stand but not offend those relationships. Or we may wonder how to confront without attacking. But sometimes in these situations, it is the people we are dealing with who are the real cause of our distress. Some people are just unsafe. Think about the friend who leaves us when the going gets tough. The family member who speaks “the truth,” but there is no love that goes [...]

5 Steps to Relational Safety

michaeldawsonlpc@gmail.com2024-01-08T01:17:56+00:00Relationships, Safety|

Last time we examined what a safe relationship might look or sound like; and what skills we can learn and practice to help the relationships in our lives. That if we are going to thrive, our marriages or other close relationships must remain a safe environment. This focus we are talking about is not physical, but emotional and relational safety. If you haven’t already, go back and evaluate what we said emotional and relational safety sounds like. Such as: My feelings, ideas, and concerns matter. We honor one another. Anger is not out of control. I don’t feel judgment, but understanding and compassion. Discover together what you do, or don’t [...]

Safety is a Must for Healthy Relationships

michaeldawsonlpc@gmail.com2024-01-08T01:17:57+00:00Relationships, Safety|

A safe relationship. You might not know exactly what I mean by that, but I bet you sure know what an unsafe relationship feels like. Are you already thinking of that person? The person that makes you feel scared, closed off, or even unimportant? Is that unsafe person your spouse? If so, ok, we have work to do. Hang in there. If that unsafe person is not your spouse, hang in too. There is a huge opportunity to learn and practice some skills that will help other relationships in your life AND protect your marriage. If you are going to thrive, your marriage must remain as a safe environment. What [...]