How to deal with family enmeshment
Think your family is just overprotective or extra-loving? You might actually be dealing with enmeshment.
by: E.B. Johnson
Having a close family can be a great benefit our path in this life, but what happens when those family ties become too entwined? Known as enmeshment, this toxic path to family “bonding” leaves us lost, hurting, and devoid of any personal identity. In order to break free of this poisonous family habit, you have to detach yourself and reassess who you are and what you’re passionate about in your life.
Every family is different, but every enmeshed family (sadly) holds many of the same toxic traits. We have to be honest with ourselves about these patterns, and honest about how our family members are as people. Then, we can begin to see our place within the unit and the paths we truly wish to take in order to get to our authentic happiness. Don’t allow yourself to stay trapped and caught up in the pain of other people. Set yourself free and see your family for what it truly is.
When being “close” crosses the line.
There are stark differences between the family that is close and the family that is enmeshed. To the close family, support and love are the norm. While there is…
