“Should we…?” is a question I frequently encounter in my practice. The questions range from whether or not to navigate life with a partner, interacting with a friend, or raising children. We often aim to make the best decisions possible by drawing from past experiences—whether they’re our own, our parents’, siblings’, grandparents’, or even those of friends and their families.
In romantic relationships, even when faced with challenging situations like breakups or divorces, we must remember that every choice has consequences, both positive and negative.
The challenge lies in our abilities to identify and understand the potential outcomes. It’s hard to move past our own emotional ups-and-downs to see our choices and the consequences they may have. It’s essential to consider how our choices affect not only us but also those around us. We are part of a broader family unit, so it is no wonder that our decisions affect parents, children, siblings, cousins, friends and more from both sides.
By recognizing that every decision has consequential outcomes and accepting that no choice is ever perfect, we can make the best decisions for ourselves and our loved ones. This approach can significantly enhance the quality of our relationships, even if sometimes if feels like the opposite.
Every choice has pros and cons. By evaluating potential consequences and understanding their implications, we can safeguard ourselves and the health of our relationships—even if that means parting ways with others in our life due to irreconcilable differences.