Feelings Reflect Who I am as a Unique Individual

Feelings reflect who I am as a unique individual.  Understanding feelings and sharing them is critical to any intimate relationship.

Definition:  A feeling is a spontaneous inner reaction to a person, place or situation.

• Like a sneeze, feelings just happen.

• No one is to blame for my feelings. Not me; not my spouse.

• Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they just are.

• What I DO (my behavior) because I am angry, or excited or frustrated CAN be right or wrong.

• My feelings are a guide post. They help me evaluate a situation and choose behaviors that are appropriate.

• My feelings reflect what is going on deep inside me — at my core.  Feelings reflect who I am as a unique human being.  Therefore sharing my feelings with my spouse  enriches our communication and intimacy.