When we compassionately investigate why we wanted someone so much and what was often this sense of feeling that we knew them almost instantly, we recognise that the interactions activated something from the past. We also see that as brilliant and amazing as the relationship might have felt at times, it was breaking us.
The relationship not working out might feel like abandonment that reminds us of our childhood. We might cling or even self-destruct for a time, but when we are ready, we begin to heal.
Our most painful relationships are often where we experience the most significant growths.
These people seem like soulmates, and we fight against it not working out, but we may have needed these relationships for entirely different reasons. As frustrating, painful and even downright inconvenient as it might be, that person’s job is often to wake us up to the truth about something. They show us something we couldn’t see before without having to interact within the relationship.
For more on authentic, loving relationships, check out my book Love, Care, Trust and Respect. Need help with unpacking and healing from the impact of childhood beliefs and habits? Check out my latest book, The Joy of Saying No.
I’ve been running Baggage Reclaim since September 2005, and I’ve spent many thousands of hours writing this labour of love. The site has been ad-free the entire time, and it costs hundreds of pounds a month to run it on my own. If what I share here has helped you and you’re in a position to do so, I would love if you could make a donation. Your support is so very much appreciated! Thank you.
Copyright Natalie Lue 2005-2025, All rights reserved. Written and express permission along with credit is needed to reproduce and distribute excerpts or entire pieces of my work.
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