Ending Relationships

It takes courage and honesty to end a relationship-with friends,loved ones or a work
relationship.Sometimes,it may appear easier to let the relationship die from lack of attention
rather than risk ending it.Sometimes,it may appear easier to let the other person take
responsibilty for ending the relationship.We may be tempted to take a passive approach.Instead
of saying how we feel,what we want or don't want,or what we intend to do,we may sabotaging the
relationship,hoping to force the other person to do the difficult work.Those are the ways to
end relationships,but they are not the cleanest or easiest ways.As we walk this path of
self-care,we learn that when it is time to end a relatinoship,the easiest way is one of honesty
and directness.We are not being loving,gentle or kind by avoiding the truth,if we know the
truth.We are not sparing the other person's feelings by sabotaging the relationship instead of
accepting the end or the change,and doing something about it.we are prolonging and increasing
the pain and discomfort-for the other person and ourselves.If we don't know,if we are on the
fence,it is more loving and honest to say that.If we know it is time to terminate a
relationship,say that.Ending are never easy,but endings are not made easy by
sabotage,indirectness,and lying about what we want and need to do.Say what you need to say,in
honesty and love,when it is time.If we are trusting and listening to ourselves,we will know
what to say and when to say it.I will remember that honesty and directness will increase my
self-esteem.I will let go of my fear about owning my power to take care of myself in all my
relationships.