Are you a naturally nurturing person who finds that acts of loving kindness are being mistaken for invitations to be taken advantage of or manipulated? For many generous souls, the moment they begin setting boundaries, the pushback can feel enormous.

This is the painful reality for one mother, whose question forms the focus of this episode: "I finally realized my daughter is manipulating me... I have started saying no. This has made her really angry. She is worse than ever and threatens to cut me off if I do not give her whatever she wants."

How do you keep your boundaries without losing your child?

In this essential discussion, Dr. Carla Manly is joined by clinician and host Dr. Darcy Sterling to provide expert tips on how to create and maintain strong, healthy boundaries, navigate uncomfortable conflicts, and avoid falling back into old, detrimental patterns.

We often think that giving our loved ones everything they want and need is the right thing to do. And this is especially true for those of us who are naturally nurturing and giving. Yet, from my experience, I've found that certain people mistake acts of loving kindness for invitations to take advantage--or even abuse--generous souls. When this occurs, eye-opening moments often help the giver realize they are being used or manipulated. And if strong boundaries are then put in place, the push-back can be enormous. Today, I'm joined by a terrific clinician who will provide tips to help you create and maintain healthy boundaries.

Topics discussed include family, friends, children, adult children, parents, parenting, emotional blackmail, boundaries, demands, ultimatums, estrangement, conflict avoidance, tolerance, discomfort, healthy boundary setting, empathy, validation, listening, reinforcement, negative behaviors, people-pleasing, and imperfect love.

Sensitive Episode:

Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

Emergency Assistance Details: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.

Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.

Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:

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Books by Dr. Carla Manly:

Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend

Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly

Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond