Table of Contents
Introduction
Our relationship with our parents is one of the most complex and influential bonds in our lives. Whether it’s filled with love and admiration or marked by conflict and resentment, understanding and navigating this relationship is crucial for personal growth and well-being. And it’s also important in your own healing journey, to resolve any issues and move forward, either way.
Understanding Your Relationship
To begin, let’s reflect on your current relationship with your parents. Introspect with these questions, sit with your thoughts as it will help you understand what you can do going forward.
- Relationship Health: On a scale of 1-10, how healthy is your relationship with your parents?
- Communication Frequency: How often do you talk to your parents? How happy are you with this frequency?
- Openness: Can you speak your mind openly to your parents?
- Past Conflicts: When was the first time you had a major conflict with your parents? What was it about?
- Parental Expectations: What role did you want your parents to play in your life? How did they fulfill those expectations?
Breaking the Cycle
Often, we find ourselves stuck in unhealthy patterns of communication and behavior with our parents. To break this cycle, it’s essential to address underlying issues and cultivate healthier dynamics. This will help you improve your mental wellbeing and focus on the positives.
Forgiveness and Healing
- Choose to heal: Forgiveness is a choice. By choosing to forgive your parents, you’re taking a step towards healing and moving on from past hurt.
- Let go of pain: Holding onto resentment and anger can only cause more pain. Release these negative emotions and make space for love and understanding.
- Embrace acceptance: Accept your parents for who they are, flaws and all.
Figure Out Your Next Steps
Now that you have a better understanding of your relationship, it’s time to decide what you want to do going forward. Consider the following options:
- Maintain the status quo: If you’re content with your current relationship, you can choose to maintain it.
- Improve the relationship: If you’re ready to work on improving your relationship, open communication and active listening are key.
- Set boundaries: If your relationship is toxic or harmful, it may be necessary to set boundaries or even cut ties.
You don’t have to choose anything immediately. You can choose one of the options, explore it for some time and then change if you so desire. Do what you feel is necessary and correct for your wellbeing. On Evolve, we have a variety of in-app therapies and self-care tools to help you reflect on your relationships and work on your self-care!
Remember, your well-being is paramount. Choose the path that best suits your needs and helps you maintain a healthy relationship with yourself.