Just people who treat us badly yet we can't break away, even for our own good. An inability to let go of somebody, beside a child, who harms you.
I think that humans are creatures of habit. We develop patterns in our lives from early childhood. If we grow up with challenges in our families, I think we have a tendency to be drawn towards people (or, people are drawn towards us) where those relationship patterns are recreated.
I don't think it is an intentional thing, it just happens.
Even if it is uncomfortable, it is
familiar.
We get stuck.
I think life is cyclical, and that circumstances present themselves where we will either remain in a repetitive pattern, or, we will learn and grow and break free of it.
Rinse, repeat.
It is especially difficult if we are sensitive, kind and forgiving.
Some people will see those characteristics and cherish our friendship, others will try and take advantage of us.
It is important to be able to tell the difference.
When a "friendship" is infused with incidences that trigger old relationship memory and patterns, I think it triggers something in us. We hang on because we have a propensity to relive our past through present situations, to "fix" what was broken. As children, we had no control, there was no escape.
Why would we as adults, choose to be stuck like this? I don't know Swot, maybe it is baggage bubbling up that we need to address? Maybe there is something to be learned on both sides of the relationship.
Maybe we are destined to continue a pattern, until we learn what we need to learn from it.
Just my opinion, from my experience with people.
"What you allow, will continue."
On a deeper note........
I think we are constantly, subconsciously , reliving and reviewing our past, that we have an inner child that needs to be recognized and heard. I remember Cedar touching on this in her posts.
Until we heal the wounds of our inner child, we continue to repeat those old patterns.
Just my thoughts.
You are a wonderful soul, Swot. You grew up under tough circumstances. You survived and flourished and became a beautiful, kind and loving person. You deserve to have true friends who will nurture and love you.
There are people who will take advantage of others.
We don't need to hang on to toxic relationships.
Take care sweet sister.
(((HUGS)))
Leafy