I know all this. And still, sometimes I can so desperately want things to be better that I try to reframe reality and convince myself that the person has changed when they haven’t. My confusion or exhaustion, or my compassion, can make me want to give in. Even when the reality of life screams no. Even when I know I’m rescuing, and I shouldn’t be. Even when it hurts me. Even when it’s unhealthy for me. Even when, based on past experiences, I know saying yes in the short term will cause extremely hard dynamics in the long term. Still, I find myself giving in.
