1. I know relationships can’t work if there’s violence from either party.
2. I know that covering up for an alcoholic or addict only prolongs the inevitable. Just because you pretend it’s not there, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
3. I know that if you never say you’re sorry, your loved ones will grow tired and…you’re going to be sorry.
4. I know that if you silence, avoid conflicts and refuse to address issues directly, you will be stuck with what you have.
5. I know that the more you threaten to do something, yet never do it, the more you teach people not to trust your words.
6. I know that when one partner bullies or rages, there is a high probability that the other partner will leave if the bullying doesn’t stop. What I don’t know is when.
7. I know that when your children tell you that you work too much—you work too much. Listen and stop letting precious time slip away.
8. I know that when you repeatedly dismiss what your partner tells you by being defensive, calling them too sensitive or spinning the blame onto them, they will stop talking. You will think that’s a good thing, but don’t be fooled — it’s the first step to leaving.
9. I know that if you don’t cherish those closest to you, they will someday not be closest to you.
10. I know that if you cheat on your partner and then justify, rationalize or defend that behavior, you are likely to cheat again—or to still be cheating.
CHALLENGE: Look over the list above, think about it and get clear on which issue you need to work on or hold your partner accountable for working on.