Have you ever stepped back and noticed yourself creating ingenious ways to avoid your deep inner knowing that your relationship or job has run its course?
You might even be in this exact situation right now.
This meticulously executed avoidance is one of those super interesting human behaviours I see often in my work with clients and that I have come to know a lot about.
It can show up in any area of your life – in your friendships, interests, hobbies, favourite places to eat out or go on holiday. The two big areas in which I notice it show up most however, are those of romantic relationships and career/work.
Sticking With What You Know
There are different reasons people stay in unhappy relationships or jobs. For example, it can be overwhelming to consider the effect that breaking off a long-term marriage or partnership can have on the extended family, when you as a couple have been a constant reference point for others for years. Then there are the financial benefits, especially if you’ve grown used to certain luxuries and creature comforts. Pride, embarrassment, and shame around not wanting others to know that your relationship has failed are common reasons as well.
