I Didn't Want a Marriage Like My Parents | EP 69

In this episode, I delve into my beliefs and stories surrounding love and marriage, emphasizing that I didn't want a marriage like my parents. While I cherish my parents and acknowledge them as amazing people, they didn't provide me with the guidance on what constitutes a healthy marriage.​Growing up, I internalized the notion of sacrificing oneself for love, giving up personal identity for the sake of a partner. This often led to unhappiness in relationships. During my second pregnancy, I discovered the Marriage Encounter community, which injected new life into my understanding of a thriving marriage. I absorbed lessons from them, although I realized I was somewhat numb to my own identity.​Facing the decision of whether to get divorced was incredibly challenging and felt like I was wearing the Scarlet Letter A. I questioned myself, wondering what more I needed to do for a better relationship.  ​I recount holding my father's hand during his final moments and express the desire for a partner to stand by each other through thick and thin. I harbor no resentment towards my mother for how she handled grief, but I aspire to a partnership where we support each other in all circumstances.​The crux of my message is that cultivating a better relationship with a partner starts with fostering a better relationship with oneself. By giving oneself the love, affection, and attention sought from others, we become beacons of light for the world. It's a journey of personal growth and healing that extends healing to everyone around us – partners, children, and parents alike.