Love and Relationships

    COPYRIGHT (C) 2008 SEVIN PHILIPS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
    ____________________________________

    What’s Your Story?

    Most of us walk around with beliefs or "stories" about what other people think of us. A
    story is an assumption about what someone else thinks or feels about you that you don’t
    actually know to be true. “He doesn’t like me,” “She is angry at me,” or “He doesn’t think
    I’m good enough” are all examples of negative stories. These stories are carried around for
    days, weeks, and even years, causing pain and suffering in our lives.

    Reflect upon your relationship with a lover, friend, or family member. Do you have a
    negative story about how someone thinks or feels about you? How do you know it is true?
    Have you ever asked that person if it is true? If that person was indeed angry at you, how
    do you know they still feel that way? Often, we use information gained through reading
    other people’s behavior or indirect comments to support our negative stories.

    Negative stories can be dispelled by opening up a dialogue with the other person. This
    direct approach takes a lot of courage and can be difficult at first. Many find that they are
    very attached to their story. In the end, you might find relief in knowing that your story
    was in fact only make-believe and that the other person doesn’t feel that way at all. On the
    other hand, if you learn from the other person that your stories are true, you now have the
    opportunity to work things out. Either way you are working towards easing the weight of
    these negative assumptions and beliefs.

    The practice outlined in this newsletter is about creating honest relationships. Albeit
    difficult at first, your direct approach invites others to be direct with you. Some people
    will appreciate this honest intent in your relationship and grow with you. Others may not
    be ready. The question is, “How do you want to live your life?”

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/
    _________________________________________________

    Codependency Redefined: Why Do I Lose Myself in a Relationship?

    There are many definitions used to talk about codependency today. In the past, the word
    codependency was overused, becoming a definition for a person who is weak, passive, and
    needy in relationships. To the contrary codependent behavior is an attempt to manage your
    environment and relationships in order to feel safe and in control. Codependency is a
    general term; it represents an entire range of feelings, beliefs and behaviors.

    The main characteristic is a big focus on another person. This is usually your spouse,
    significant other. You might be saying, “What is the big deal about focusing on the one you
    love?” Nothing is wrong with giving your attention, time and love to someone else.
    However, this behavior becomes unhealthy when you forgo your own needs and desires in
    the relationship. Relationships are give and take, so when you give and give without
    receiving, you are setting yourself up for unhappiness.

    Typically, a codependent comes from a family that did not meet their emotional needs met.
    Codependence is a life strategy designed to find the love we need in unsafe, difficult, or
    unavailable relationships.

    Patterns and Characteristics of Codependency

    These patterns and characteristics are offered as a tool to aid in self-evaluation. If you
    identify with these characteristics please explore the resources provided below.

    Denial Patterns:
    I have difficulty identifying what I am feeling.
    I minimize, alter or deny how I truly feel.
    I perceive myself as completely unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others.

    Low Self-esteem Patterns:
    I have difficulty making decisions.
    I judge everything I think, say or do harshly, as never “good enough.”
    I am embarrassed to receive recognition and praise or gifts.
    I do not ask others to meet my needs or desires.
    I value others’ approval of my thinking, feelings and behavior over my own.

    Compliance Patterns:
    I have difficulty saying "no".
    I compromise my own values and integrity to avoid rejection or others’ anger.
    I am very sensitive to how others are feeling.
    I am extremely loyal, remaining in unhealthy situations too long.
    I value others’ opinions and feelings more than my own and I rarely express differing
    opinions and feelings.
    I put aside my own interests and hobbies in order to do what others want.
    I accept sex when I want love.

    Control Patterns:
    I withhold my feelings and thoughts in order to navigate a difficult situation
    I believe most other people are incapable of taking care of themselves.
    I attempt to convince others of what they “should” think and how they “truly” feel.
    I become resentful when others will not let me help them.
    I freely offer advice and directions without being asked.
    I lavish gifts and favors on those I care about.
    I use sex to gain approval and acceptance.
    I have to be “needed” in order to have a relationship with others.

    Here are the steps for recovery:

    Go for help. A reputable therapist or recovery group is a very important tool here, because
    others can help you see your own codependent behavior and attitudes in ways you may not
    see yourself. Codependents Anonymous (CODA) is a free group which meets in many
    places around the country. Find a meeting here. (Click Here)

    Make recovery a first priority. Codependency is insidious; you may recognize yourself in the
    symptoms, then deny their importance, or deny that they apply to you after all. You may
    decide to change and then time after time, find yourself doing the same old things. Making
    recovery a first priority means outlining your destructive behaviors, finding alternative
    behaviors, and then implementing them! It means seeking support, challenging yourself,
    talking with others about changing, and then changing!

    Stop managing and controlling others. This is a big challenge, but an important one. Here,
    you stop telling others what to do, how to live, what is wrong or right with them. You
    stop intervening, helping, advising, trying to make things better, trying to fix it, and trying
    to force a solution. You simply stop. You allow this other person to make his or her own
    decisions; for right or for wrong, you let them live their own life. This means they take
    responsibility for their own mistakes, their future, their unhappiness, their issues, and their
    own growth.

    Read some books. Melodie Beattie and Pia Mellody are two of my favorite authors in the
    field. I have book suggestions on my website.

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/
    _________________________________________________

    Vows for Intentional Relationships

    Having clear intentions is vital for a healthy relationship. Although vows are usually
    exclusive to union ceremonies, a new, growing breed of conscious people is creating and
    practicing these vows at any stage of a relationship. If you are currently in a relationship sit
    down with your partner and re-examine what you want from each other. For those of you
    who are looking for that special person, use these vows to help crystallize what kind of
    relationship you want.

    The vows below are created from observing relationship successes and challenges in my
    work as a therapist. I hope this list will inspire you to create relationship vows that are
    nourishing and fulfilling.

    ~I vow to enrich my personal life with enjoyable activities outside of the relationship and
    use this nourishment to deepen our connection.

    ~I vow to always be respectful to you. If I feel I cannot uphold this, I vow to walk away
    until I can be respectful.

    ~I vow to stand by you when I see your life getting hard.

    ~I vow to create and protect quality time for us to spend together every week.*

    ~I vow to encourage and inspire you to find and fulfill your life’s work.

    ~I vow to respect your need for outside friendship and support.

    ~I vow to let go of my need to be right.*

    ~I vow to share my deep, innermost thoughts and fears with you, exposing all and holding
    nothing back, so that you may know who I truly am.

    ~I vow to share my appreciation for the little things you do that give our relationship great
    meaning.

    ~I vow to tell you when I’m scared, choosing vulnerability over anger.

    ~I vow to ask for your support when I’m in need of help, and I vow to acknowledge the
    reality that you cannot read my mind…EVER.

    ~I vow to not take our companionship for granted as the long years roll by.

    ~I vow to be appreciative, open, and curious about our sexual connection. I vow to
    regularly discuss our sex life, whether it be fantastic, boring, physically painful, or
    nonexistent.*

    ~I vow to be present with you when you want my attention, and when I cannot be
    present, I vow to tell you this.

    ~I vow to clearly and respectfully communicate when I’ve had a hard day and want time
    alone. I vow to use this time to take care of myself so that I do not take my daily stresses
    out on you.

    ~I vow to be honest in all my affairs with you, even when it is difficult for me to do so.

    ~I vow to return to my original vows when I fall short in my intentions.*

    * I find these vows powerfully effective in building strong , loving, changing, “we’ve come
    a long way, baby” relationships.

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/

    ________________________________________________

    The Magic of Appreciation

    In order to build more satisfying relationships with the people around you, make a
    conscious effort to express more gratitude, appreciation, delight, affirmation, and
    encouragement. Appreciation is a form of magic and using it has awesome effects for both
    the recipient and the giver.

    Because life continually requires us to attend to problems and breakdowns, it gets very easy
    to see only what is broken and needs to be fixed. Satisfying relationships and a happy life
    require us to notice and respond to what is delightful, excellent, enjoyable, from a job well
    done, to a meal well cooked.

    It is the ongoing expression of gratitude and appreciation that makes a relationship strong
    enough to accommodate differences and disagreements when they come along. Healthy
    relationships need a core of mutual appreciation.

    Expressing appreciation is probably the most powerful and rewarding practice you can
    bring into a relationship. I invite you to take notice of the incredible ways you are
    supported by those around you. Pay special attention to those who have continually
    supported you over the years. It is very common to grow accustomed to getting support
    and, in doing so, fail to notice special efforts.

    If you want more magic in your life, try practicing appreciation for a week. Notice how
    the gratitude affects you, the other, and the relationship. Your experience will show you
    that there is magic in the world and it can be found in the smallest of things.

    A definition of magic: possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable or
    baffling effects

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/

    ________________________________________________

    How to Communicate What’s Hard to Say…in 5 Sentences or Less!

    These step-by-step instructions work great for relationships that are hard-pressed with
    issues that keep coming back. Perhaps you are unhappy with a certain relationship dynamic
    you have with a family member, friend, or coworker. You may find yourself bitter, angry,
    or defensive, and once again locked into old patterns of destructive behavior.

    Life is precious. There is no need for you to continue suffering. Communicate clearly and
    take yourself out of that loop!

    The foundation for this practice is to take responsibility for your peace and happiness by
    asking for what you want and, if necessary, removing yourself from the unpleasant
    situation. Telling the other person what is going on with you gives them the opportunity to
    change.

    Some things to consider before you begin:

       * Get clear before you communicate. Writing down your thoughts is a powerful way for
    you to get clear.
       * Avoid adding hooks. A hook is something that is meant to hurt, pull, or manipulate
    the other person. Hooks will dilute your truth.
       * Refrain from being reactionary. This might feel awkward and mechanical at first
    because you are breaking out of unconscious, reactionary patterns of communication.
       * Choose appropriate format: person-to-person or a letter? Talking face-to-face is the
    preferred method. If you feel unsafe, you can communicate over the phone. If you sense
    your patterns are really severe, I suggest you write a letter.
       * Use a second pair of eyes. It is hard to see our own stuff. Have someone review what
    you have written, and then get feedback.

    5 steps to communicating hard-to-say issues:

    Step 1: Tell the listener why you want to talk with them. (Be respectful of their time.)

    Example: “Our relationship is important to me and something has come up that I want to
    talk about. Do you have time to talk?”

    Step 2: Describe the behavior that affects you.

    Example: “When we talk on the phone and you tell me what other people say about me…”

    Step 3: Tell the person how you feel about that behavior.

    Example: “When we…and you tell me…I feel unsafe, scared, and confused.”

    Step 4: Ask for what you want.

    Example: “I want you to not include any information regarding other people’s feelings
    about me in our conversations.”

    Step 5: Invite change.

    Example: “How can you support me in what I am asking?

    Example: “I feel that this will bring us closer; will you support me?”

    Step 6 [Optional]: Take care of yourself by developing healthy boundaries. (Serious
    patterns may need this extra step).

    Example: “When you are not able to do this, I am going to take responsibility for myself
    by ending the conversation (i.e. getting off the phone or simply walking away) until we can
    talk again later.”

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/
    __________________________________________________________________

    Create the Relationships You Want Without Relying on "the Other"
    to Change.

    Do you want something to change in your relationship and find yourself waiting, wanting,
    and resentful toward your partner, friend or lover? You might find yourself quietly
    brooding over an issue or even actively fighting this person while waiting for them to
    change. The intention of this article is to help you ask for what you want, invite support,
    and with or without that support, begin creating the life you want.

    Here are some suggestions for creating change:

    1. Get clear with yourself about what you want.

       * Stick to what you want for yourself, not what you want for "the other."
       * Keep it simple and keep in perspective what you really want.

    For example:

    *I want more quality time in our relationship vs. I want you to stop watching TV when
    we're together.

    *I want more family time together in the evenings vs. I want my partner to not work so
    late.

    *I want to create a team effort in carpooling the kids to school vs. I want you to step up
    carpooling.

    2. Ask for what you want.

       * Choose a good time to talk. (i.e. not right after work)
       * Ask the other, “Do you have about 10-15 minutes to sit down and talk with me?”
       * Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

    3. Don’t explain, justify and defend, or argue over your wants.

       * If "the other" gets upset and argues, do not engage. It is in your power not to argue.
    You can listen without defending your request. This may be a difficult practice, depending
    on how long you have known the person.
       * Be mindful of built-up emotions that may emerge.
       * Be both gentle and persistent with yourself.

    4. If you find disagreement or resistance, ask, “How can you support me in this?”

       * Often we ask “Why can’t you help me?” Instead of asking why, ask how.
       * Asking how empowers and invites the other to find a way to help you. Most likely
    your relationship began with an intention to support one another: hence, asking how one
    might provide support brings the other back to this original intention.

    5. Be willing to walk away if there is a standstill.

       * Don’t be afraid to disengage and walk away if you continue to be met with resistance.
    The intention in this practice is to be clear, ask for what you want, and invite openness for
    change. If you have said all that you wanted to, and said it in a good way, trust that a seed
    has been planted, regardless of immediate outcome.

    6. Find ways to create the change you want, with or without support.

       * Remember, you want change in your life. You are doing this in order to be happier and
    more fulfilled, so you must be responsible for your own happiness!
       * If you’re still feeling resentful at the lack of support while attempting to create the
    change on your own, stop. Wait until you can attempt the desired change in better spirits.
       * Of course there will be some limits to what you can do on your own. Decisions that
    involve shared assets, such as finances, will need to be put on hold.

    Some examples of creating change on your own…

    * I want more quality time in our relationship.  Create the quality time in your life and
    invite your partner to share in it.

    *I want more family time together.  Create more time to spend with your family, invite
    your partner to join you.

    I hope you find these steps helpful. If what you have been doing isn’t working, I suggest
    you try something different. Remember: It is normal to feel awkward and stiff when
    working on new habits. Even though this article is about taking care of your needs, do not
    be surprised if your partner changes all on their own. Rather than pushing and fighting,
    inviting your partner to support you creates, over time, more openness to the possibility of
    change.

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/
    _______________________________________________________________

    4 Ways to stop Fighting

    Fighting with another person is a difficult and painful experience. You probably have that
    special someone who you always seem to get heated up around. Fights are often with the
    people we love. There is a way out of all this fighting, and it does not require the other
    person to change. This is good news, since waiting for another to change may leave you
    waiting a long time.

    Often in relationships we feel threatened. Fighting is one way we can feel more powerful.
    In the end, this exchange leaves most of us feeling drained and damaged. Here are some
    suggestions to help to ease your suffering:

    1. Don’t ask why.  "Why" is a word that often elicits defensiveness and arguing.

    2. Use "and" instead of "but" in any conversation. "And" is inclusive, which allows
    for more possibilities. But is negating, which tends to limit possibilities.

    3. If you want to express your dislike, try the following.

    When you ___________ (what the behavior is) I feel _______ (state your feeling).

    Saying it this way focuses on the behavior and the not the person as a whole. It also
    includes your feelings, which make you vulnerable. Showing vulnerability can really help
    someone trust your intentions and move into peaceful communication.

    4. Let go of being right. Being right is a losing battle. Every man/woman is king/queen
    of their experience. It’s YOUR EXPERIENCE. Honor the standstill and walk away.
    What seems important one day is not so important the next. Ask yourself, is being right
    worth all this suffering?

    Be gentle with yourself if you decide to practice some of these suggestions. I’m always
    open to feedback if you wish to share any experience you have with these practices.

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/
    ________________________________________________________________

    Powerlessness and the Need to be Right

    I’ve heard it said that every man is the king of his “right” and every women the queen of
    her “right.” In couples counseling, the need to be right is one of the most commonly
    reported sources of suffering. Many times the underlying current of being right stems from
    feelings of powerlessness in the relationship.

    Sacrificing oneself in a relationship can lead to the desire to win mini battles over the
    littlest of things. I suggest making an agreement that you stop. Even though the suggestion
    is simple it can be hard to practice. A good practice starts with an intention and is
    followed by awareness in your day-to-day life about the futility of needing right.

    If you are interested in working on deeper sources of this pattern in your life, find a good
    couples counselor and tell him/her what you want to work on.

    Article by: Sevin Philips, MA MFTI
    Counseling & Psychotherapy in San Francisco
    http://sftherapy.org/
    _________________________________________________________________

    Top 6 Relationship Tips

    Tip 1: Know yourself
    The first step in finding a balance in a relationship is to figure out what each person truly
    wants. Sit down and know what you want out of the relationship before taking the step of
    figuring out how the two of you will merge your needs. Writing down what you want can
    be a powerful exercise.

    Tip 2: Don’t give in to it
    Don’t let your partner convince you that you cannot have friends, see family, or hang out
    after work, all because your partner is constantly worried that you are going to run off.
    You need to have many relationships in order to be healthy and your partner is not the