Neither path is easy. Neither path is impossible to navigate.
It may take a few of the same relationship to occur before a pattern is recognized. Even then, if the person comes to the conclusion that "all women are emotional" or "all men are liars" then they are missing their lesson.
If, and only if, they recognize their part in allowing the mistreatment to continue and assessing the reasons why, will they be freed from the obstacle of lack of self-worth.
The pitfall is to become trapped in wonder if their childhood had only been different. No matter how it had been, there would still be the "other side" to face within adult relationships. Challenges to self-worth would either arise in the form of "that's all I've ever known" or "I've never experienced this before."
~Doe Zantamata
