Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

January 5, 2015

I cannot abandon or be abandoned (adults take care of themselves.)

As adults, we are responsible for ourselves in all areas.  This includes nurturance and emotional care.  Therefore, if someone is unkind to me or leaves me, it is my job to take care of myself.  If I am not taken care of, it is my failure not the failure of others.  While this is a poor excuse for intentionally hurting others or being impartial to their suffering, it is important to remember who we are primarily responsible for taking care of.

Am I giving others the responsibility for taking care of me?  Am I taking on primary responsibility for others?  What would change if I took responsibility for my emotional care and allowed others to take responsibility for theirs?