The 3 Serious Relationship Sins
We have all committed relationship sins, perhaps without even realizing. In fact, it may have seemed so natural that we never even thought twice about it.
- Are you guilty of committing any relationship sins, ever?
- Have your sins caused others to suffer irreparable emotional damage?
- Have you endured intense emotional upset because someone is blaming you?
- Do you feel guilty for having your own particular wants, needs and desires?
- Have you committed unforgivable relationship sins?
By now you may be squirming, thinking “Uh-Oh,” my sins have been discovered.
- I am not as loving and giving as I pretend to be.
- I don’t always put my partner’s needs first.
- I have a big temper that often upsets those closest to me.
- I cheated on my partner once or I’m currently having an ongoing affair.
- I have a sexual fetish that I haven’t told anyone about.
- I have a private addiction that could hurt my relationship.
Now, take a deep breath and a sigh of relief. The list above are not the primary relationship sins, merely some of the many symptoms, the type of results that may occur, and not the original cause. The mental process, the subconscious belief, and a certain incorrect way of thinking is always the cause.
Here are the three basic relationship sins.
- You think, believe and “know” the cause of the problem is outside yourself.
- You create an idol, a God, out of something or someone outside of yourself.
- You give, maybe you even give a lot, but you have an expectation of ROI.
#1 – If you truly believe the cause of any problem, any problem at all, is outside yourself and you are just a victim of circumstances, then your relationships are bound to suffer. Your intimate partner will tell you something that disturbs him or her and you will put blinders on, seeing that person as demanding, controlling, selfish, wanting something from you, etc. You co-worker suggest a new idea and you put your blinders on again, seeing that idea as useless or too difficult to implement or a threat to your currently comfortable way of working.
Seeing the problem, any problem, as outside yourself is a prescription for conflict and less than optimal success. Begin to view all problems, even a non-working piece of equipment, as in some way related to something you have done, not done, overlooked, not properly cared for or at least a part of some higher plan that you do not currently understand.
#2 – Do not create an idol, a God, out of anyone or anything outside yourself. Don’t idolize some beautiful young woman who appears to have everything you want. Don’t idolize a man who appears to have the strength and romantic capability you long for. Don’t idolize a guru in your field of work or study. Don’t idolize or turn to a substance or activity as a way of comforting yourself and avoiding facing your own reality. Yes, it is okay to have preferences and people and activities that you enjoy, but beware when you make them into an idol that you pursue regardless of the effect upon the rest of your life.
#3 – Learn to give from your heart, freely and openly, without expectation of ROI (return on investment). Do not think of giving as an investment. Do not give money to someone in order to buy their love. Do not offer your body sexually to “obligate” someone into becoming intimate. Do not give from an empy emotional bank account. Fill your own consciousness with love and abundance first. Then give from your own overflow without concern for receiving a return. Good will eventually return to you, but it often comes from a source other than the one you expect it from. Give freely and feel the gratitude in your heart, gratitude for your own abundance and ability to give.
There you have it – the three serious relationship sins. Your task now is to avoid these sins whenever possible, acknowledge them when they occur, and make it your goal to overcome them. Enjoy your life fully. Go — and sin no more!
Feel you can’t do it alone? Please reach out for help. Schedule a private coaching or counseling session
Prefer reading a book to help you practice the art of loving, Love Me, Touch Me, Heal Me or choose an ebook at LoveTouchHealEbooks
Warmly,
DrErica








March 7th, 2011 at 2:41 am
Dr. Erica,
this information is so powerful, and demands your total attention in viewing. Your style is simply amazing, in presenting such a sensitive subject, to tackle.
I agree, with taking a serious look at oneself, then to be honest when addressing, each of these questions. If you remain truthful in your response. The best end results, will surface and closure will be reached, with the right support and tools. That we leave to you professionals, in this field of study.
Dr. Erica, we do appreciate all the wonderful guidance you have continuously given us. Everything from our personal development, to business success. I enjoy getting value, from your presentations, and look forward to many more successful years.
Thank you for your tireless journey, in supporting true personal growth. Please remain one of our top leaders, at TSA. I am honored to be in your presents.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 4:14 am
William,
I am touched by your kind words of support. This post was inspired by my Sunday morning meditation group. We listen to an audiotape of Joel Goldsmith who created The Infinite Way. He was a powerful healer who healed just with his consciousness. In this week’s message, he talked about these 3 sins. That inspired me to take those concepts and apply them to relationships. It is also meant to be a way for self-improvement, not self-criticms, condemnation or judgement.
Warmly,
Erica
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March 7th, 2011 at 6:42 am
Hey Dr. Erica,
Great post…. I think it’s especially important for us to get to give with out expecting anything in return. I heard it said once that when we say our relationship is 50/50 that we’ve got the wrong attitude… that we should say it’s 100/0 because you should give 100 % to the relationship and expect nothing in return… only then are you truly showing unconditional love.
Many Regards,
-jamie
Jamie Bennett recently posted..The Development Cycle of a Network Marketer
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 4:17 am
Jamie,
That is true, we need to strive to give 100%. That means, once we commit to being in a relationship we give it our all, no matter how the other person responds. There is a saying, “Love brings up anything unlike itself for the purpose of release and healing.” Therefore, in a relationship, our partner may behave exactly the opposite of what we want, need or consider loving. But that person may feel the love deep in his or her heart or it may be temporarily blocked or suppressed. If we can keep loving, no matter what, miracles can happen.
Erica
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March 7th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Hi Dr. Erica,
Thanks for the advice! I believe like I am fully coming to a point where I can truly give without any expectations in return. But I am able to differentiate between giving to get, and just giving to give. There is a difference in the frequency between the two. I find that when my heart is truly open, and I am feeling up and good and positive. That I simply give from love. The love in my heart. And the deep knowing that is there, that I will be supported, when I am in that particular vibration. Thanks again!
Paul H. Moore recently posted..What is Your DreamLine Charlie Sheen
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 4:19 am
Paul,
The other aspect of giving 100% is to choose who we decide to be in relationship with. If we are with someone who only wants to take, then we may feel depleted. Sometimes we can refill our emotional tank elsewhere and still be able to love a partner. Sometimes we need to let go. We can only give 100% when we already feel abundant.
Erica
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March 7th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Dear Erica, thank you for such a good description down to the quintessence of relationship sins. This blogpost describes it in a very understanding manner what we have to look out for to make relationships working. As it is with everyithing in our lives concious practice will make us masters…
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 4:20 am
Alexander,
And it does take a lot of practice. I was just reminded today that the heart is a muscle and must be exercised just like any other muscle. So we need to practice loving and it is often quite challenging.
Erica
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March 8th, 2011 at 1:03 am
Erica
While not currently in a relationship these are still some excellent points to comment on. Especially not looking for something outside yourself to blame we must take 100% responsibility for our lives. And that should give us hope because if have created bad circumstance we can surely create good ones.
Steve
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[Reply]
Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 3:51 am
Thanks for commenting Steve. This post was inspired by my Sunday morning meditation group. Our consciousness is so powerful and when we get that under control and connect to the potential that is all around us, magic happens.
Erica
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March 8th, 2011 at 2:24 am
Wow, this is a powerful article Erica.
I try my best to live a life free of sin, of course no one’s perfect so it’s important to learn from these mistakes and move forward.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 5:06 am
John,
The post was inspired by my Sunday morning meditation group. We listen to an audio by Joel Goldsmith who created the Infinite Way. He was a great healer who healed with only his consciousness. He talked about these three sins and I applied them to relationships. The goal is self-reflection and self-improvement, not judgement or condemnation in any way. These are just goals. We are human and fallible and often quite needy.
Erica
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March 8th, 2011 at 4:58 am
Erica,
Your content continues to uplift and inspire me and is always so powerful…thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us.
I feel very fortunate to have you as a new friend through the wonderful TSA Community.
In any relationship, whether it is a personal one or a business relationship, your have to take responsibility and be accountable for your actions…not just look for excuses.
Giving from your heart with no expectations is of paramount importance. I posted a Simple Truths video at TSA that says just that…it is the 100/0 Principle and I would love to share it here with your devoted followers…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdJkk_fOJPY
To your massive success,
Marc
Marc Korn recently posted..Stop Procrastination Now and Eat That Frog!
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 5:08 am
Marc,
Thank you for sharing this video. I get a lot of inspiration from Simple Truths. Their videos are inspiring and uplifting.
Warmly,
Erica
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March 8th, 2011 at 5:14 am
I found myself doing # 2 to figure out how to overcome it …The visual I used …put it ( the person,in my case ) in a cell phone box on the shelf in the cupboard…then try to think about that person only when I saw the box! that ACTUALLY worked have a great night and thanks for your insight Sue
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 5:53 am
Sue,
How interesting to create a visual that cleared your consciousness. Our minds are so powerful.
Erica
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March 8th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Great post, Dr. Erica! When reading what you wrote about the nature of relationships, I am reminded of the order of building as presented by Stephen Covey in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” We start dependent on others, then we need to become independent by taking care of our issues, and once we do that, we go to interdependent, which is the highest level of human interaction. You are so right that we have to address the problems with ourselves in order to get to where we want to be. This is something that definitely involves conscious effort, as most of us are trained almost from birth to look at something else.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 8th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
So many couples I work with have been angry at their partner, in large part, because they have not fulfilled their own dreams and are looking to their partner to provide that fulfillment for them. It’s sometimes amazing to watch the couple interactions shift when each one owns their own issues.
Erica
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March 9th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
WOW!What a great post!!! I love part “Learn to give from your heart, freely and openly, without expectation of ROI (return on investment).!” I ask people … you know what makes your partner happy, satified & fullfilled, you do what ever you can for them without any expectation of anyting in return, can you imagine the life you’d have??? Sometimes we expect way to much from the ones we love!!
Thanks
Have a Great Day
Chester
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Chester,
I haven’t heard from you for awhile. Nice to reconnect here.
Thanks for your comment. I agree, what a world it would be if each of us just gave without expectation. We expect way too much of our loved ones but also we expect too much from people we hardly know. And some of us try too hard to deliver what someone else expects and it is not coming from our own true desire to give.
Erica
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March 9th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Thank you, as always, for your advice. Your knowledge in this area is such a valuable addition to the online world.
It is so easy to think “hey, I just did this or that for you, now it is your turn…”. But if you just give without that expectation of a return, the giving is so much more fun. After all, you can now focus on the pleasure it brings in other peoples life, rather than to stand ready with your measuring stick to make sure you are not being short changed.
If only I had realized this when I was 18 I would not have made all the mistakes I ended up making….
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Wow Karin,
You have said something so true, “If only I had realized this when I was 18 I would not have made all the mistakes I ended up making….”
By the way, my experience of you in TSA has been that you are giving and giving and giving, without expectation of something back. I have appreciated how often you have syndicated my posts while I may not have syndicated yours (because my work is about relationships and I do not want to flood my followers with so many marketing and technology types of posts). But I am always happy to read and comment on your posts and syndicate them when I can.
Erica
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March 9th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Dr. Goodstone,
I was just reading in a book about how we bring everything to ourselves. Even getting into wrecks or car breaking down…is still apart of our doing. Now, I view every situation differently.
I have committed relationship sins, but now I know I have to heal from the inside.
Thanks for sharing you knowledge.
Jaden
PS. Love your writing style.
Jaden Daniels recently posted..Copywriting Secrets Part 2
[Reply]
Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
Jaden, It is so true that we bring everything to ourselves. For example, the day I purchased my new DroidX phone, I was upset. First, I had expected the technicians at the Verizon store to repair my Blackberry Storm and was not ready to buy a new phone. Second, the guy who sold the phone was great until after I purchased it and then he was on to the next and had not answered my questions.
So, I left the store upset. Stopped at my local post office and got a speeding ticket 5 mintues later in a school zone. I was in a state of upset, was not paying attention to the blinking yellow sign, and a policeman happened to be waiting.
If I had been in a better state of mind, I would have noticed the blinking light and probably there would be no policeman stationed there at that moment.
I laughed to myself when I realized what my energy had attracted.
Erica
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March 11th, 2011 at 12:49 am
Hi Dr. Erica,
I just love your posts as they always get me thinking and serve as great reminders to live our best life. Isn’t it interesting that we always have room to grow and do better, no matter. To that en, I don’t think that you’ll ever want for something to write about to help us along the way. Thanks for posting.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 4:51 am
Linnea,
I appreciate your sweet comments. Yes, as humans, we can always grow and do better. It is oh so easy to slip back into less than optimal states of mind and begin to feel less productive, less giving, less fulfilled.
Erica
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March 11th, 2011 at 3:05 am
Erica,
These are really great sins, haven’t heard them put this way before, I love it! You could definitely build a workshop or teleseminar out of it. For me, I’ve become a little too jaded to idolize so much anymore, though have to admit I miss it
On the other hand, I do find it a challenge to remember where to point the finger and not to project onto others without looking at myself first.
Thanks for the reminders!
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck recently posted..What Is YOUR Love Language
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 4:53 am
Oh Adam.
Isn’t it easy to point a finger first. Much harder to stop and look at yourself because so often it appears that the other person is totally at fault. I find it is a daily practice to keep returning to myself.
Erica
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March 11th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Great post, Dr. Erica. There are so many ways to make your relationship awful. I’m sure I’ve tried and failed with many of them. It is good of you to share some simple behaviors that can make things better. I remember reading Dr. Laura’s ‘The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands’ and adopting one behavior that I try to consistently do. When my husband talks to me, I try (not always successful) to stop what I’m doing and look at him. Otherwise, his words just float above my head and disappear. It has done wonders for our relationships. Thank you for this post.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Miss Leslie,
It is so true that changing just one simple behavior can help your relationshpi enormously. That is what I often teach to couples, that just a small adjustment in attitude and behavior by each of them can have an enormous effect on healing the relationship.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Erica
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March 13th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Excellent insights Erica, not only for personal relationships but all relationships, including business.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:45 am
Peter,
Thanks for commenting. The concept of these 3 sins was inspired by a Sunday morning meditation class where we listen to an audio tape of s phenomenal spiritual healer, Joel Goldsmith. He was talking about these “sins” in terms of life, not just relationships, but I tend to find the connection to relationships in everything I read and learn.
Erica
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March 19th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Dr Erica, you have hit the nail on the head with this post. So often we tend to blame anything and everyone else for our problems, when the real problem is in us. I think it’s human nature to give expecting ROI, but it’s a sign of maturity and true love when we can forget about reciprocity and just give from the heart. Great post!
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
March 19th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Sometimes, it does not appear that the other person is responding when we give, but if we continue to give they may suddenly surprise us with just how much they have appreciated it. Thoughts preced behavior, so often they have thought about it for a long time before finally acknowledging it and making a change.
Erica
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April 5th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Hello Dr Erica
Wow! what an article. You have written something that we all need to read and focus on daily. Your three basic sins are not just techniques, they are principals (laws) and number three is really important. Oscar Wilde wrote this about giving “To give and not expect return, that is what lies at the heart of love.” Love (Agape) is key to good relationships. Also Dr Karl Menninger said “Generous people are rarely mentally ill people.”
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Perry,
I love your quotes. Nothing is new. It has all been said before. If we listen to the teachings of the Buddha, Jesus, and the leading messages of most relgions, most love poetry, most enlightened theatre (e.g., Shakespeare), and most highly successful people, we will hear the same messages. Know yourself, seek the answers within, feel the love, give generously, share ….
Warmly,
Erica
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April 29th, 2011 at 2:51 am
This is good advice, Dr. Erica. As I look back on my life and relationships, I can see these sins just jumping out. I had to learn a lot of stuff the hard way. I’ve learned a lot and seem to be doing much better now
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Thanks Miss Leslie,
We have all had our share of these “relationship sins.” As we grow and learn more about how to really enjoy our relationships and our life, we can gradually heal and be more present.
Erica
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May 5th, 2011 at 12:59 am
Great post Dr Erica, At first reading my thoughts turned toward romantic relationships and my thought that I consciously stay away from committing relationship sins. Suddenly, another message began to unfold. Relationships in every area of my life, have I committed any relationship sins? The answer was clear, I had been guilty of relationship sins. Immediately I looked inward. I noticed much of the sin was rooted in control. I wanted to control other people in a relationship or two. Now that light is shed on darkness, the want to control melted away and I am free to love myself and other unconditionally.
Thank you for the article.
Peace&Love -
Terrific Tonya Heathco
National Seizure Disorders Foundation
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
May 5th, 2011 at 1:14 am
Terrific Tonya,
How wonderful to realize that relationships are much broader than just the ones with our most intimate partners. So many of our problems stem from our expectations, our need to control people and situations so that we feel comfortable. There is a wonderful feeling of freedom and relief when we just allow it all to unfold naturally.
Erica
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June 4th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Erica,
It’s such a common thing now days, to attempt to blame other things besides yourself. You see this everywhere, “it’s not my fault” mentality.
Thanks for writing this to really expose the subject and placing a light on it. People really need to understand that nothing (no politician, tool, or possession) can change things for them, it has to come from within.
When it comes to relationships, it’s even more important to understand that it’s just as much your responsibility to change the results as it is for the other person involved.
Thanks for the stimulating post.
-Dereck
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:29 am
Dereck,
Just taking responsibility for your part in any relationship can make it so much better, regardless of the other person’s attitudes and behavior. But it is also essential to set boundaries and not allow the other person to dump their blame onto you.
Erica
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August 8th, 2011 at 1:47 am
I think all of us are guilty of these signs in one way or another. Everyone can admit that sometimes we don’t listen to our partner’s point of view and/or think that our opinion should count the most. It is important to listen to each other and have patience.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
August 8th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
But imagine how much better our relationships could be if we did often listen and respond to our partner’s point of view.
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August 31st, 2011 at 3:43 am
Erica, what a fantastic article! #2 is a big one: I think that the key to #2 is getting a handle on #1 and recognizing that whatever we are attracted to can be a sign of either seeing something in someone or something else that we feel is lacking in ourselves; or replacing that someone or something with the proper perspective of our Creator, who really should take the place of true worship in my life (I’m of course speaking from my own belief system here). I love your last admonition: go and sin no more. If I take hold of these 3 tips, I will experience the healing I’m looking for.
Steve-Personal Success Factors recently posted..Build Your Life Like Martin Luther King Jr
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Dr. Erica Goodstone Reply:
August 31st, 2011 at 4:40 am
Steve,
The real solution is to take responsibility for your own thoughts and actions, to not idolize anyone or anything, and to learn to give and love freely. Seems so simple but can be oh, so difficult.
Eroca
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..How Old is Old Enough? Reflections on Compulsive Aging by Guest Blogger Jeanne Denney
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September 19th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Ahh yes the expected ROI…Isn’t it funny how easy it is to mentally drum up expected ROI’s? What is worse is when those expectancy’s are not met, then we really get ourselves worked up and the other party hasn’t the slightest clue that they failed to meet our expectation. The real root of the problem is out failure to effectively communicate those expectations is a caring an loving way in the first place.
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Dr. Goodstone Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 4:04 am
Emt,
The interesting thing is that when we stop worrying about ROI snd just live more fully in the moment, our ROI is often exponentially higher.
Dr. Erica
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October 14th, 2011 at 6:06 am
All of this is excellent advice. It rings true in all types of relationships as well. I was talking to a friend recently about her little brother. Seems he has an empty emotional bank account and yet expects a lot of ROI. She is finding it difficult to continue to allow him to expect things from her that he is not himself proving to be worthy of. I think it is important not to make yourself a victim and to not expect too much from your partner, but it is also a relationship sin to let someone walk all over you. You can love out of the overflow of your heart, but don’t enable those in your life that cannot receive that love. Find someone who is capable of receiving love, in that you will find a sort of contentment. Without your partner having an ability to receive love, you will find yourself expecting things from them that they cannot deliver. Give and Receive. No expectations.
[Reply]
Dr. Goodstone Reply:
October 14th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Gretta,
You have pointed out how important it is to find a partner who matches your ability to love. And, if you can really accept where your partner is in this capacity and stop expecting to receive what that person is not ready to give, you are allowing the person to begin to grow. You don’t allow them to keep taking from you and you also don’t expect so much from them. Instead, you explain WIIFM (What’s in it for me) to them so that they can learn what the benefit is for them to give more than they feel ready to give. Just as in business, people want to know how they will benefit from purchasing your product, people who don’t give easily have to learn why it will help them to give to you.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
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