I have been more concerned with tending to other people’s needs to the point I don’t always know what I need. I remember, with one of the worst betrayals I’ve ever experienced, hugging the person and telling them what they needed at that moment was what was most important. And then I went into the bathroom and hyperventilated. I have rewarded people for disrespecting my boundaries. A classic line I’ve used: “But they didn’t mean it this time. I’ll just love them better and things will get better.”
