RELATIONSHIP
TIP OF THE WEEK #010
LET GO OF RESENTMENT
It is important to let go of
resentment toward your partner in order for your communication to be effective
and your love to grow. If you do not feel
resentment toward your partner you can more easily let go of negative judgments
and replace them with positive judgments. In his book "Men, Women and Relationships:
Making Peace with the Opposite Sex" John Gray explains the negative side
effects of hanging on to resentment and how to let go of that resentment:
"Not only
does resentment provoke negative reactions, but it also
negates the effectiveness of communication.
When you share your feelings and thoughts with an attitude
of resentment, it is almost impossible for the person you
are resenting to stay open to you. One of the reasons communication
can be so easy at the beginning of a relationship is that
there is no buildup of resentment.
Accumulated
resentment undermines the growth of love in a relationship.
The first step toward releasing resentment
is to claim your responsibility; understand how you provoke
the responses you get. Then, with a greater understanding
of your partner and with better communication, forgiveness
will become easier." (SOURCE: Men,
Women and Relationships: Making Peace with the Opposite
Sex, by John Gray, Ph.D. - in bookstores everywhere)
