Finding the Right Church Is a Huge First Step

If you are a new believer, knowing how to find the right church is an essential step toward strengthening your faith and keeping it strong. But there are a lot of churches to choose from; how do you know where to go?

I have some suggestions for finding the right church that I hope will help you along the way and encourage you in your faith. 

Start with the Church's Core Beliefs

While many churches share a common set of beliefs about God, there are often differences in how those beliefs are expressed. So, the first step I would recommend is doing some research of churches in your area to make sure their core beliefs include:

• The entire Bible is 100% true & trustworthy. Nothing is taken away from it. 
• God is a Triune God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
• We are all sinners, and our salvation can only be found in Jesus Christ.

These core beliefs are crucial.
Now it's time to visit some churches and find one that fits you. Do you like large or small churches? What worship style do you like?  What kind of preaching do you like? Don't be overwhelmed, there is a church out there for you. Have fun visiting different places and exploring your options.

Consider Worship Style

Worship styles might vary greatly across different faith traditions. Some congregations have very contemplative, traditional worship that is rooted in Church history. Others focus on spiritual gifts. And others take a modern, contemporary approach to praise and worship. If you’re new to the faith, it may take you a while to find a church where you feel comfortable. That’s okay.

Take the time to allow yourself to worship in whatever way you are able. Doing so can strengthen your faith, and help you get a clearer sense of your impression of each church.

Spend Time in Prayer

We can never forget about prayer when we are making any major decision in life, including where we want to go to church. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and understanding regarding your decision. You may not know right away where you best fit when it comes to your faith community, but God will be with you every step of the way.

Check with Friends

If you have friends who attend church, ask them what they like about their church, their worship services, and their community. Learn about the ministries their churches have. Does their church offer support that could encourage you in a tough time, or help you through a difficult struggle? If so, go with them for a visit. Ask them to introduce you to friends or leaders they trust to guide and encourage them in their faith. You may find you make strong connections there. And no matter what, you will have more people praying for and supporting you.

Ask for Advice

One of the hardest things for many of us when we decide to commit our lives to God is the fear of losing many of the social activities and connections we once had. A local church is a great place to find new connections. 

If you need additional support as you begin this new faith journey, TheHopeLine offers mentoring for a variety of challenges, including strengthening and bolstering your faith.

Talk to a HopeCoach today if you have questions about your faith, finding the right church, or understanding God’s purpose for your life. We are here for you, and you have our support, no matter where you are in your faith journey.

If you are starting on a journey of finding a church home, be confident of this truth…There’s a church for you! A great place to start finding a Christian church in your community is ChurchFinder. 

Being There for Friends Even if it's Draining

I love being there for people I care about, but sometimes I notice that a friendship leaves me feeling drained. At times, I’ve even felt frustration in a relationship, without knowing exactly why.

If this sounds familiar, you may need stronger boundaries. Here are some things I focus my efforts on to keep from feeling drained or irritated by close relationships.

Honesty About Your Feelings

If it’s a close friend or romantic partner who’s making us feel drained, it can be tempting to dismiss our feelings. You may even find yourself feeling guilt or shame when you feel frustrated about how much your friend calls, texts, and leans on you during a hard time.

But honesty about your feelings is an important step in facing them and getting to the other side of the discomfort in this relationship.

Be honest about when you feel drained. 

• Is it after a long conversation? 
• Is it when they call at a certain time? 
• Does it have something to do with what they talk about when they call, or how much they focus on a certain problem? 

Knowing what is troubling you makes it easier to discuss, to set boundaries around, and to heal from as you move forward.

Finding Greater Balance

When trying to talk about and set boundaries in a draining relationship, I try to think of things in terms of finding balance. 
Your friendship or relationship is likely to be draining if you feel like your friend is doing all the talking, all the planning, or all the asking for favors. Or maybe you feel like you’re doing all the talking, and planning all the outings, because your friend never seems to offer any thoughts, any input, or any feedback on what you have to say.

Here are some ways to find greater balance in a relationship or friendship:

• Let your friend know you have things you’d like to talk about, and how much it would help you if they listened and/or offered their advice. 
• If you’re not ready for advice, that’s okay. Just let them know that the biggest thing they can do to help is offer a listening ear.  
• If you’re tired of planning things to do, ask them to plan your next outing. 
• If you’re tired of them doing all the planning, offer your suggestions for what to do next.
• If they call or text you all the time, you don’t have to call them right back or answer their texts right away. Call or text back only if you feel like you have the energy to do so.

Saying No

Saying no is not being mean, especially if you do so in a kind and considerate way. You may be feeling drained because you say yes to everything your friend or partner asks you to do, even if you’re already running low on time, energy, or focus. There is nothing wrong with asking for a rain check, or saying “Sorry, can’t make it tonight, can we get together another time?”

Listen to my call with Rachel who can't say "no" to people, especially guys. She feels saying "no" makes her mean.

You can also say no if you find their problem overwhelming or are certain it’s something you can’t handle. Again, you don’t have to turn them down flat. Try saying something like “Sorry, I don’t know how to help. This isn’t a problem I can solve. But I would still like to get together with you soon to spend some time with you.”

Even small steps like these can make a big difference when setting boundaries in a draining relationship.

Taking Time for Yourself

Alone time is one of the most valuable gifts we can give ourselves, especially when we feel drained by others. We can ground ourselves emotionally and spiritually. We can reconnect with God through prayer time, or with the beauty of nature through a walk outside. Or we can curl up with our favorite book at the end of a long day. 

None of this means we don’t care about people in our lives. In fact, taking time for yourself may help you gain energy and perspective so you can support your loved one in a way that makes you feel more comfortable.

I know boundaries can be tough to set and stick to. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to a HopeCoach at TheHopeLine if you need help with healthy boundaries in a friendship or relationship. We are here for you, and we believe things will work out for the best.

Knowing when to leave unhealthy relationships can be hard. It comes down to self-care. Should you stay or leave? Find out here.

Don't Let Distance Disrupt Emotional Wellness

When we are going through a rough time, not being able to be with people we love can make things feel even more difficult. Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship, spending time apart while one of you recovers from an illness or spending time away from one another for work or school, leaning on others is still possible for emotional wellness.

I hope these ideas for giving and getting support from afar lead to a greater sense of peace and emotional wellness during this difficult time. 

Exchanging Cards and Letters

Writing a card or letter seems like a lost art, but it doesn’t have to be. You can be Pen pals with loved ones if you must remain apart for a while. You could ask one another fun questions, update each other on your thoughts and feelings, write words of encouragement, or send special cards for important days and anniversaries.

Making Phone Calls 

Sometimes, it helps me feel so much better just hearing someone’s voice. When you’re missing someone who’s far away, it’s time to pick up the phone. Text messages are okay for brief hellos and check-ins. But it’s important to make time to talk for a deep dive. Schedule regular phone calls with one another to check in, so you can lift each other up.

Starting a Book or Movie Club 

It’s good to remember that, even though we may not be able to be near people we love, we can still have fun together. If you need ideas, try starting a book or movie club together. Read a book you’ve been wanting to tackle together and share your thoughts on a call. Or watch your favorite movies and shows on a streaming service at the same time, then discuss it. You might learn something new about someone you’ve known for years just by exploring things you enjoy together.

Praying Together

We all need spiritual encouragement throughout the ups and downs of life. Asking someone to pray for you can help bolster your faith. Praying for your friends and loved ones can be a great reminder of how grateful you are for them. People we love are wonderful reminders of God’s love, and His love doesn’t go away when we have to spend time apart. 

Getting Support by Video

I really enjoy video calling when I have to be apart from friends and family who support me. Video calls give you the reassurance of hearing their voice, and the added joy of seeing their face. You can do video calls easily with your phone or computer, and there are plenty of free options you can use that still have great video quality.

Sometimes the strain of being apart can drain us, even when we are turning to one another for help. In those times, there is still hope. TheHopeLine offers online mentoring via chat and email to help with the loneliness that comes from having to remain apart. Talk to a HopeCoach today about how you’re feeling, who you’re leaning on for support, how you can encourage them, and what you can do to lessen some of the feelings of isolation. We are here for you, and we can get through this together. 

Do You Have Situational Depression?

Sometimes, struggles with mental health are not specific to things we are going through. We might feel a sense of depression even when our lives are full of good things. Or we might feel anxious, even when things are relatively peaceful.

But other times, we go through something so painful and difficult that it disrupts our lives and takes a toll on our mental well-being in a way we haven’t experienced before. 

Situational depression is something many people struggle with. I want to share some of the signs and symptoms of situational depression with you, so you can feel more comfortable talking about what you’re experiencing with people in your life who can help.

1.  A Traumatic or Painful Event

As the name suggests, situational depression is brought on by a traumatic, painful, and emotionally trying situation you’ve had to face. You might not experience symptoms of depression during or right after the event. It might take much longer for your mind and body to process them. Examples of life events that bring on situational depression include:

• Losing a loved one
• Work or school stress
• Distressing world events 
• Divorce or relationship problems
• Abusive or toxic relationships

If you can trace the source of your depression symptoms and what causes them to sharpen or worsen back to something you’ve been through, you may have situational depression

2. Disruptive Symptoms

Situational depression is more than just feeling down when something bad happens. Ask yourself if symptoms like these are disrupting your life and making it more difficult to do important things like work, schoolwork, or paying bills on time:

• Difficulty focusing
• Crying spells
• Fatigue
• Irritability 
• Constant worry or sadness
• Disinterest in things, people, and activities you love
• Thinking about suicide or harming yourself

3. Losing Faith and Hope

Feeling hopeless or losing faith are often part of struggles with mental health, but they can be especially intense when dealing with the painful or traumatic event behind your situational depression. I’ve been in seasons of life before where my feelings of faithlessness were very strong. 

But it comforts me to know that God loves me, even during those times when I don’t feel close to Him. He has brought me through everything I’ve been through so far, and still given me the strength to love others. Thankfully our feelings, even though they can be very strong, don’t prevent God’s love, and the love of others, from reaching us while we deal with situational depression. 

4. Feeling Like No One Understands

Many people I’ve heard from over the years say that one of the hardest things about going through situational depression is the feeling that they’re all alone in what they are experiencing, and that no one understands what they’re going through. You might feel this way if you go through something none of your family or friends have experienced yet, or if you’re unsure how to talk to someone about your depression symptoms.

But let me reassure you, even if your situation is unique, there are many people who have experienced situational depression, and who understand the feelings that you’re having. And there are many people who can help you get through this time, even if they are not going through the exact same thing. 

You may talk to a counselor, or a faith leader, or a close friend or family member about some of your feelings to start with. If you feel like nothing, you’re doing is helping your situational depression, don’t despair. TheHopeLine can help with lots of resources and online mentoring. Talk to a Hope Coach today about your situational depression symptoms. Let them encourage you and help you make a plan to get through it to a place of greater peace and healing.

Depression is a common illness that we often hear about, yet ironically usually have difficulty recognizing, particularly in ourselves. To find out more about depression read this guest blog from our partners at Centerstone.

Discerning if You Should Stay in or Leave a Relationship

Unhealthy relationships can be draining, painful, and frustrating. If you find that a relationship with someone you’re dating, someone you live with, or a friend has become a toxic relationship, it is normal to ask tough questions about whether you should go your own way.

I find it best to consider distancing myself from relationships that I find harmful to my health or threatening to my safety. When deciding how to move forward with a difficult relationship, think about it and how it is changing you.

How to Know You Should Leave an Unstable Relationship

Do You Feel Unsafe?

Your safety should be a top priority. If you feel physically threatened, have experienced abuse of any kind, or are worried that someone will become abusive, take action as soon as you can. 

There are many abuse support groups, prevention organizations, and abuse hotlines that are available around the clock to listen, offer advice, and help you make a plan for greater physical and emotional safety.

Remember: abuse tends to happen in a cycle. If you have ever been abused in family relationships, or are in a dating relationship where your partner has tried to control you, the problem is likely to repeat itself. Having the courage to reach out to someone trained to help you will allow you to break free of this dangerous cycle much sooner.

Do You Feel Small?

There are few things more upsetting than when someone makes you feel small. I’ve seen how some people demean others to make themselves feel better, or to appear more popular and powerful. If you’re being treated this way, there is no reason to continue in a friendship or relationship where bullying is the norm.

Are They Willing to Make an Effort?

Not all relationships with an unhealthy pattern have to end. In some cases, you may feel uncomfortable or frustrated, but still feel safe enough with that person to talk about it. Working through relationships can be rewarding if both people involved are willing to make an effort to listen, learn, and respect one another.

If you’ve never brought up what bothers you about a relationship, try communicating your feelings and needs to your friend, partner, or family member. It may be that they were unaware their behavior was upsetting you. Clear communication often opens the door for stronger relationships. 

What Should You Do?

Every relationship is different, but you should prioritize your wellbeing and safety when deciding whether to leave an unhealthy relationship. This commitment is an important step in greater mental health and better self-care. 

Sometimes you need time alone to center yourself and get to the bottom of your true feelings about a challenging relationship. If you feel conflicted about whether leaving a relationship is the right decision, seeking answers in your faith may help.

Whatever decisions you make, remember God cares about you and His plans for you are hopeful ones.
If you’ve tried to talk things through and feel like you’re hitting a wall, I know how frustrating that can be. The good news is you don’t have to go through this alone. 

Talk to a HopeCoach at TheHopeLine if you’re having difficulty working through relationships or planning for your safety. We are here for you and we believe you can find happiness in your friendships and relationships.

If relationships are not building you up, it is worth finding new relationships. Watch this video from a licensed counselor helping you with the fears of ending a toxic relationship.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Dealing With a Cheating Girlfriend or Boyfriend

When the person you’re with has cheated, it does tremendous harm to a dating relationship. But if your girlfriend or boyfriend is cheating, you don’t have to deal with this painful challenge alone. There is support, there is help. And there is hope for healing.

I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this painful reality. I hope these suggestions can help you find the support and encouragement you need to heal your heart.

Acknowledge the Truth

If your boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating, it can be easy to slip into denial. It’s hard to believe something so upsetting can happen, and that someone you care about so much could be the means of such heartbreak.

Create Space for Your Healing

But acknowledging the truth of the matter is an important step to understanding your feelings, expressing those emotions, and finding the help you need. The truth will be painful, but affirming the truth is an important step in grieving a broken relationship and beginning to heal from that grief.

I know from years of helping people through relationship challenges that the days after cheating is uncovered can be complicated and confusing. You will likely feel easily overwhelmed by the variety of emotions you’re feeling.

Giving yourself space to heal can help. Making room for alone time, turning down social invitations if you feel tired or stressed, and declining to answer your partner’s calls or messages are all acceptable ways to set boundaries while you sort through the very painful emotions you feel after being cheated on. 

You will need to make important decisions about ending a relationship that has meant a lot to you. You will need time and space to think things over and allow yourself to feel your feelings. I know you want to get the pain over with, but you don’t have to rush through it or feel pressured to make a decision before you feel more confident and emotionally safe.

Nurture Yourself Spiritually

There is nothing anyone can say or do to make things better when you learn someone you love has been cheating on you. In times where nothing else can comfort you, remembering God heals broken hearts may give you a glimmer of hope on the harder days. 

I know that you can feel like you’ve lost faith when something as heartbreaking as cheating happens. You don’t have to feel great about your faith, or feel confident about your spiritual life, in order to find comfort from God and the people he has placed in your life to pray for you and encourage you.

Ask for Help

Dealing with the aftermath of cheating can be overwhelming and isolating. It may seem like your friends either don’t know what to say, or are always saying the wrong thing. And it’s natural to feel like no one understands. 

But you’re not alone. Many people have had to face the harsh reality of cheating in their relationships. And many of those people have since moved forward, found peace, and have built safe, meaningful relationships with new friends or significant others. 

You can find support after cheating in a number of places. A counselor or mentor, a faith leader, or a support group can all be good resources. It’s important that, in addition to talking to friends and family, you reach out to people who are trained to help people sort through the difficult emotions you’ll face when recovering after cheating. 

TheHopeLine is here for you, too. Reach out to a HopeCoach if you don’t know who to talk to after you’ve learned your loved one has cheated. We can help you find additional support, work through your difficult feelings, and find greater hope to heal. We are in your corner, and we will be here to help when you need us.

Do you have a feeling that your boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on you? Want to know if it's true? Here are 15 ways to find out if you are being cheated on.

Making the Right Moves when Starting to Date

When you feel drawn to someone, it can be difficult to know how to show interest in dating them. Depending on your personality, you may feel shy, nervous, or worried you’re coming on too strong. Or maybe you haven’t had great dating experiences, and you want to get things right this time around.

I know how challenging this can feel, but the good news is there are some simple ways to show interest in dating someone, and there’s always extra help and support when you need it.

How to Tell Someone You Want to Date

1. Being Present 

Of course, being present is only going to help strengthen any friendship and relationship, but it can also be a good way to show interest in someone you’d consider dating.
When you’re with the person you’re interested in, remove or quiet sounds and technology that would otherwise distract you. Ask them questions about their life, listen thoughtfully, and allow them time to talk about what interests them. 

2. Body Language

Not everyone is comfortable with physical touch, even when it is not flirtatious. But you can still show interest in someone while respecting their personal space.
That might mean sitting near someone in a group setting, making eye contact during a conversation, or smiling at someone to reassure them.

3. Clear Communication

I’ve talked to a lot of people who are frustrated with how dating seems to work for others, but not for them. Sometimes this may be because two personalities just don’t click.
But I think it’s often because too much focus is placed on what we think we notice, what we think the other person feels about us, and how interested we think the other person is. It can feel more like a game or a test than getting to know someone, and it’s not hard to see why that can be frustrating for so many people.
The antidote to this problem is to be clear about your interest in someone by letting them know. Of course, you don’t have to tell someone everything you’re feeling right away (and that would probably feel very uncomfortable). But there’s nothing wrong with saying things like:

• I enjoyed our conversation the other day. I’d like to get to know you better. Would you like to have coffee? 
• It seems like we have a lot in common, and I really enjoy talking to you. Can we stay in touch? 
• I really hope your job interview goes well. Will you let me know how it went?

These are all great ways to start out. If you’ve spent quite a bit of time with someone as a friend, and are wondering if there’s romantic potential, finding the courage to discuss that will take all the guesswork out of the relationship. Plus, it won’t be such a drain on your energy.
There’s no single, perfect way to go about this, but I’ve seen a few things work well:

• Ask if they would like to go to a party, school function, or work event together.
• Let them know you’ve enjoyed getting to know them and ask them how they would feel about going out to dinner, a movie, or coffee. 
• When they have a special celebration (a promotion, great results on an exam, a birthday, etc.), you can suggest doing something together to celebrate.

Starting with a group date might be easier than a one-on-one, especially if you have mutual friends who are in a happy relationship. And don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do together that won’t break the bank (like coffee, a picnic, or a trip to the museum).
I want to encourage you to take your time and ask for help and guidance when you need it. Dating relationships don’t happen overnight. If your faith is a big part of your life, it’s a great idea to pray for confidence and clarity when dating. God helps us find wisdom amidst some pretty confusing and challenging situations.

When you feel a strong attraction, it’s hard to know if what you’re feeling is lust or love, understanding the difference is key find out more here.

Improving Your Reputation

Improving your reputation is a difficult process, but it’s not impossible. Building a good reputation comes down to acting honorably. When you make the right choices for the right reasons, your reputation will improve. But it doesn’t happen overnight.

Building a solid reputation means deciding to make good choices day in and day out and doing the best you can to bounce back after a setback. It’s hard work, and there’s nothing wrong with seeking support. 

Life’s hardships, and the choices we make, sometimes affect how others see us and how well we are able to connect with people. I know it hurts to feel like you have a bad reputation. But I hope you feel encouraged that there are things you can do.

You are not powerless, and you’re not alone. With dedication and support, you can rebuild a good reputation over time.

I’ve noticed that the path to a better reputation is a combination of choices and changes that work together to improve our relationships.

Here are some things that may help you along the way.

Making New Friends

The burden of changing your reputation is often tied to the feeling that people in your life see you in terms of your poor choices or struggles. And you may need to distance yourself from people in your life with whom you find yourself making choices you regret later. Making new friends can give you a fresh start, which can keep you energized and uplifted as you work to rebuild your reputation.

You can try reaching out to a classmate, someone in your faith community, or an acquaintance you’ve never really gotten to know. They can get to know you s the person you are trying to become and can support you as you grow.

Changing Your Environment

Just as your reputation is formed over time, it is changed over time by developing healthier habits. Your environment is a great place to start. Often the places you spend time influence your choices, and not all of them have a good impact. Are you spending time in places that will continue to harm your reputation? If so, it’s time for a change of scenery. Instead of a bar, club, or house party, spend time outdoors, at a library, or at a museum. Instead of going out every night, find a craft, hobby, or game you can play at home or with friends. 

Unplugging

In the age of social media, we’ve given more people than ever more ways than ever to immediately weigh in on our opinions, our life choices, and our image. Taking a break from social media or limiting the social media platforms you use is not only calming, but it can also help you keep a clear head as you’re working on building a better reputation.

Unplugging can also give you more time and space to center yourself spiritually in prayer and meditation and reconnect to your faith. In times when I’m struggling with my self-esteem while working on my reputation, going offline for a while gives me a chance to remind myself how God sees me. We are all loved, and we can all receive grace and forgiveness, no matter what we did in the past. 

Getting Advice

Taking these steps can definitely improve your reputation for the better. But because the reasons for poor reputation are often tied to our decisions, there are likely other steps you need to take that are specific to you.

Getting advice from someone who is trained to help, like a therapist or counselor, will help you have a plan, as well as someone you can trust who holds you accountable.

If you’re not sure where to start, TheHopeLine is here to assist with mentoring and resources for life’s challenges. Talk to a HopeCoach about your reputation and learn how you can work on turning things around. We are here for you and ready to listen.

It can feel hard to navigate life if you feel like people don't respect you. Read my blog to find out how to respond to people who disrespect you. 

Understanding if You're Being Manipulated in a Relationship

If you feel like the pressure’s on in your relationship with a parent, friend, or partner, you may be getting manipulated. Manipulation is a painful, confusing process, but you can break the cycle and find more freedom in your relationships.

With a clearer understanding of what manipulation looks and feels like and how a manipulator operates, it can be easier to avoid being taken advantage of and see the path forward.

What Does Manipulation Feel Like?

I’ve talked with a lot of people about manipulation over the years, and while it feels different based on the relationship you have with the person trying to manipulate you, a manipulator generally makes someone feel:

• Like there are strings attached: When people are treated well by the person manipulating them, they’re often left feeling like they are obligated or expected to do something in return.
• Fearful: People may be afraid for their safety around the person manipulating them. Or they may just feel a sense of dread when that person contacts them, fearing that they once again will be asked to do something they don’t want to do. 
• Guilty: Guilt trips are one of the key strategies of a manipulative person.
• Not only will they make you feel like you have to do things for them, but they’ll also make you feel bad if you say no.
• Gaslighted: Gaslighting happens when people try to convince you that something you are really experiencing is “all in your head”. Manipulation and gaslighting go hand in hand because manipulators make it hard for us to trust our own instincts and judgment.

If these feelings dominate your relationship with your boyfriend, girlfriend, close friend, or parents, there may be manipulation at play.

Why Are People Manipulative?

People manipulate others sometimes for control, sometimes for power, and sometimes because their own emotional issues are unresolved.

For example, a person who is afraid or uncomfortable asking for what they want directly often resorts to manipulation as a way to get what they want in a way that they believe to be less scary or less harmful to the relationship. Of course, the truth is, they’re causing harm to the relationship by not being upfront about their needs.

Sometimes manipulation is just a bad habit (thanks to unhealthy boundaries) that needs to be talked through.

But talking about it may not be an option for you, depending on how safe you feel with that person. If there is cruelty mixed in with the manipulation you experience, be on your guard for other signs of abusive relationships.

How Can I Make Manipulation Stop?

If you feel safe enough around the person manipulating you to continue working on the relationship, there are a few things you can do to find freedom from their manipulative tactics.

• Don’t respond right away. Manipulators can often make you feel like you have to respond to their requests immediately. Wait it out, and you may find that they move on or find another solution.
• Say no when you don’t want to (or aren’t able to) step in. You may get pushback from this, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Simply saying “Sorry, I can’t make it today. I hope things work out for the best,” is a good way to be clear but kind.
• Remember the truth of the matter: A manipulative person strives to make you feel like you are the only one who can help them. But they have other options. Realizing that they are responsible for their own feelings and actions can be one of the most powerful ways to distance yourself from a manipulative person.

Sometimes the nature of our relationship with a manipulative person makes it hard to know exactly how to keep our distance. In those times, I have to anchor myself in faith, even when I struggle to believe God can help me through tough times in a relationship, it’s often helpful for me to pray and meditate on the best ways to move forward for my emotional and spiritual well-being.

Even when you know how to break free from the cycle of manipulation, it can be hard to realize it. If you need extra support, we’re here for you. Talk to a HopeCoach at TheHopeLine if you need extra help healing after painful relationship struggles. We are here for you, and there is always hope.

Are you feeling stressed or strained whenever you’re around someone you care about? You could be in an unhealthy relationship. Find out here.