High Maintenance Relationships
In his book High Maintenance Relationships, Les Parrott asks these questions and offers us the following advice:
1. Do you feel anxious when a particular person has called and left a message for you to return?
2. Are you dealing with a relationship that drains you of energy and enthusiasm?
3. Do you dread having to see or talk to a particular person at work or in a social situation?
4. Do you always seek to give, but get nothing in return?
5. Do you keep second-guessing your own performance as a result of interacting with this person?
6. Do you become more self-critical in their presence?
7. Is your creativity blocked or is your clarity of mind hampered by the lingering discomfort of having to deal with them?
8. Do you try to calm yourself after being with this person by eating more, biting your nails, or engaging in some other unhealthy habit?
9. Do you have imaginary conversations or mental arguments in which you defend yourself or try to explain your side of a conflict?
10. Do you feel resentful that this person seems to treat other people better than they treat you?
11. Do you wonder why this person singles you out for criticism but rarely acknowledges what you do well?
If you answer yes, do something about it �?“Bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.�?(Luke 6:28). Respond in an opposite spirit!
From firstIMPRESSIONS Vol. 8.21