Each topic faces a balancing act. A relationship can be off balance in either direction. There are two extreme, unhealthy ways of handling each topic, and then there is a healthy middle: The Third Option.
We can either be “Too Trusting” or “Too Distrusting” (the two unhealthy extremes for this topic)
Too Trusting:
- We want things so badly we make unwise choices
- We might be more gullible
- We set ourselves up for being hurt—more than needed
Too Distrusting:
- We require an iron-clad guarantee
- We don’t give people a chance, and put up a wall of protection
When we rebuild trust, we picture climbing up a ladder, reaching the top where we want to be, home and safe. The top is where we are our truest selves and we trust our partner in healthy way. This is true intimacy. In class we explain the ladder, and what it takes to climb up. We also recognize we sometimes make mistakes and may fall down a few rungs on the ladder, and have to work at going back up again.
Since intimacy is our goal, keep in mind there are many areas we connect intimately: socially, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically.
Join us to learn The Third Option and how to work your way there, to the healthy, middle solution.