Humans have the basic primary needs to be appreciated, accepted, nurtured and loved. In many families these needs are not met, due to a chaotic or volatile dynamic. Whatever our family dynamic, there is safety in its familiarity and it gives us a benchmark for normality.
From these early experiences we develop coping skills, how to survive the family unit and the world outside. Some people may use possessions and substances as substitutes for people if they offer comfort, safety and reliability. Others feel safe by keeping people at arm's length, and being very independent. However, we learnt to cope, the unmet emotional needs of childhood don't automatically leave us when we reach adulthood. They can influence our choice of partners and our adult relationship dynamics.
In your current relationships perhaps, you wish things were different, or there are difficulties in communication, there are trust issues, lack of intimacy, or the relationship feels out of balance. The situation may be affecting your self-confidence and sense of identity.
This may be making you feel undermined, inadequate, confused, isolated, misunderstood, helpless, defeated, trapped, manipulated or empty. You may be fearing the loss and rejection of abandonment. Perhaps you are criticising or blaming yourself or others.
Talking about your relationships gives you an opportunity to reflect and evaluate your experiences. Your feelings validated and empathically understood. You may wish to learn about emotional needs, personal boundaries and healthy behaviour. Your informed wisdom can help you to value yourself and approach relationships with a new perspective.