You do not need to be a doormat nor tolerate abuse. Sometimes, if the Spirit concurs (and we are not acting impulsively or in anger), we communicate clearly.

• You do not have to tolerate any physical or verbal abuse, nor pay attention to demeaning comments.
• We have to know our own priorities & boundaries, & respect those of others, while being kind. It is easier w/ practice -- practice is hard but worthwhile. main
• Forgiveness (required) is not the same as trust (earned by behavior over time).
• Some things are ok, some things are not. It is ok to have boundaries for one's own safety & well-being. Only God knows everything and He will judge us all.
• We have to try, to learn to be kind, fair, and honest to ourselves, and to others, at the same time.
• If others fail, we hopefully can be kind, set wise trust boundaries/verification etc as needed, and work with them to the extent trust truly allows? main
• Covey (in 7 habits book) says "seek first to understand, then to be understood". That is a useful section of his book. And "make an effective presentation".
• This can mean setting boundaries (see articles by "coach kim" on ksl.com for ideas & details. (%%todo: consolidate/add other entries/links here)
• When something goes wrong or you're upset, you could think thoughts like these
• (Suggestions/questions welcome! More information is planned or available on request. Page footer has contact info.)