For every complex problem, there’s a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. –H.L. Mencken
When it is time to address issues in your relationships your choices come down to three basic options: do nothing, communicate or leave. Within each are infinite variations. Before you explore your options decide: Am I willing to risk losing? We have no power unless we are ready to walk away. Also ask yourself: Is it more important that I be liked or that I be respected in this situation? You must decide which to lead with. Choose your left foot or right foot – you cannot do both or you’d be hopping like a bunny. When we want to be liked we tend to over-accommodate, sometimes called toxic niceness. While it may mean a short-term bump in popularity, in the long run it can invite contempt. When we want to be respected, we tend to set firm boundaries and say no when we mean no. Initially, it might feel like we are creating conflict, or being seen as cold and intimidating, but generally, respect leads to healthier outcomes.