How It Takes Courage to Build Healthy Relationships

The word “courage” is often reserved for entering a battlefield or facing difficult circumstances. But there’s a more subtle aspect to courage that is needed in our close relationships. The word “courage” comes from the word meaning “heart.” The French word “la coeur” means “heart.” To open our heart to another human being is the ultimate act of courage.  Being courageous doesn’t mean being a fearless warrior. It means being a warrior of the heart. We allow ourselves to have fear, to wrestle with it, and find our way through without being crippled by it. In a relationship, this means expressing difficult truths, and communicating our genuine feelings and needs in a kind way rather than by blaming, attacking, or manipulating others. It takes inner strength to not blurt out the first thing that pops into our mind, which may be hurtful words or a critical tone of voice. Allowing ourselves to be fully present with another person takes what the renowned philosopher Paul Tillich called The Courage To Be. Accepting and honoring ourselves as we are, even if others judge us or don’t think well of us, is the ultimate act of self-affirmation, self-acceptance, and self-love. (Interestingly, Paul Tillich greatly influenced Rollo May, who was one of the creators of Humanistic and Existential Psychology.) Revealing Our Inner World It takes a lot of mindfulness to know what we’re experiencing inside — what we’re feeling and wanting. And it tak...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Communication General Happiness Mindfulness Perfectionism Relationships Self-Help Boundaries Emotional Safety Healthy Relationships Intimacy Resilience Source Type: blogs