An intimate relationship is one in which neither party silences, sacrifices, or betrays the self and each party expresses strength and vulnerability, weakness and competence in a balanced way.
Interpretation
An intimate relationship allows both partners to be their true selves without fear of losing their identity.
This quote by Harriet Lerner emphasizes that true intimacy in relationships is built on the foundation of honesty and authenticity. It suggests that each partner should feel free to express both their strengths and vulnerabilities, fostering a space where neither feels the need to compromise their true self or silence their voice. By balancing these aspects, a deeper, more meaningful connection can be achieved.
In practice
In a relationship workshop, to illustrate emotional balance.
It is not fear that stops you from doing the brave and true thing in your daily life. Rather, the problem is avoidance. You want to feel comfortable so you avoid doing or saying the thing that will evoke fear and other difficult emotions. Avoidance will make you feel less vulnerable in the short run but, it will never make you less afraid.
Telling a true story about personal experience is not just a matter of being oneself, or even or finding oneself. It is also a matter of choosing oneself.
Those of us who are locked into ineffective expressions of anger suffer as deeply as those of us who dare not get angry at all.
If we only listened with the same passion that we feel about being heard.
Although the connections are not always obvious, personal change is inseparable from social and political change.
We can solve many problems in an appropriate way, without any difficulty, if we cultivate harmony, friendship and respect for one another.
Your presence is the most precious gift you can give to another human being.
I am a strict monogamist: it is twenty years since I last went to bed with two women at once, and then I was in my cups and not myself.
I wish Iβd a knowed more people. I would of loved βem all. If Iβd a knowed more, I would a loved more
Between husband and wife friendship seems to exist by nature, for man is naturally disposed to pairing.
I think, though, as African-American women, we are always trained to value our community even at the expense of ourselves, and so we attempt to protect the African-American community.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.