Co-dependency

As a career-minded woman back in the 80s I find it hard to imagine how I allowed myself to be hurt by those close to me. I would not let such a thing happen now, but I guess our childhood experiences impact on our ability to stand up for ourselves.  For me abuse came about because of events in my childhood that took away my sense of Self and personal power. I could be very independent & assertive in schools and the workplace but I now realise emotional maturity wasn't there because I wasn't allowed to have emotions. I wasn't allowed to cry or be angry. So I got used to stuffing feelings down.  I was not protected by my parents as they were taken up with their own lives and striving hard to make a better life for us.  My blessing in life was my Grandmother. I was left frequently with her; Christmas, holidays and weekends. Once I stayed for a whole year when my parents went away to work in the Isle of Man. I am eternally grateful for the calming, loving home provided to me there.