{"id":227065,"date":"2023-02-28T11:41:52","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T16:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/liveoriginal.com\/?p=227065"},"modified":"2023-03-23T12:00:35","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T16:00:35","slug":"the-best-of-you-boundaries-and-the-spectrum-of-toxicity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/liveoriginal.com\/the-best-of-you-boundaries-and-the-spectrum-of-toxicity\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best of You: Boundaries and The Spectrum of Toxicity"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you consider your relationships, recognize that healthy behavior and toxicity exist on a spectrum. Very few people are totally toxic, and no one is entirely healthy. This means that expressing your voice requires nuance and dexterity.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t want to come down with a hammer when a flyswatter is needed. You also don\u2019t want to let someone who is using toxic strategies twist your best efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all response when it comes to using your voice and setting healthy boundaries in your relationships. As you consider the many ways to respond to others, consider the example of Jesus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus navigated through complex relationships with unbelievable skill. Sometimes he left people in order to nourish his own soul. Sometimes he headed straight into hard conversations. Jesus was full of compassion, and he also held people responsible for their behavior. Jesus stood up to bullies, even as he ached for them. He didn\u2019t shy away from calling out people who were hurting others. Jesus even got annoyed with his friends, and he let them know when they\u2019d let him down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes Jesus expressed grace. Sometimes he expressed anger. But most of all, Jesus spoke up on behalf of those who were hurting. And you, dear reader, may be the one who is hurting. Sometimes a kind word is needed. Grace will mend the hurt. Other times you will need to advocate for yourself and speak firmly. Finally, there will be times when it\u2019s wisest to walk away entirely. In these situations, the best way to use your voice is to show what you mean through <\/span>your actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you gauge what response is required? First, assess where your particular situation falls on the following spectrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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People who are healthy fall on the right side of this spectrum. These are people with whom communication is possible. You can discuss conflicts or ruptures that occur within your relationship. They\u2019re aware of their blind spots and have a strong sense of self. There is room for conversation and negotiation of boundary lines. In fact, the ability to communicate constructively on behalf of what you need is what makes a relationship healthy. You might not see eye to eye on every single thing. You might even disagree or experience disappointment. For the most part, though, you can arrive at a place of harmony as you negotiate the boundaries of the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t