Settling for Second Best or Even Worse

Here's what's happening on the HealthyPlace site this week:

• Are You A Person Who Settles for 2nd, 3rd, 4th Best?
• Assertiveness: Getting What You Deserve
• From HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs
• Coaching Compassion And Kindness To The Sadistic Sibling

Are You A Person Who Settles for 2nd, 3rd, 4th Best?

In Theresa Fung's relationship blog, "The Unlocked Life," she talks about settling for Mr. Okay instead of going after Mr. Right. It got me thinking about how many times people with mental health concerns settle for whatever life hands them. For instance, we:

• continue to tolerate employment discrimination (thank goodness they let us work at all)
• put up with mistreatment by loved ones or others (because someone is better than no one in our lives or because of our conditions we deserve to be mistreated)
• let the doctor tell us we have to "learn to live with serious side effects" as if there were no options (at least he's seeing me and giving me some kind of treatment)

In the end, it really has to do with assertiveness and believing we deserve more. Whether it's a relationship, a job, medical or psychological treatment, or anything else, we shouldn't have to settle for "Mr. Okay."

Assertiveness: Getting What You Deserve

• Assertiveness, Non-Assertiveness, and Assertive Techniques
• Speaking Out For Yourself: A Self-Help Guide
• Impact of Lack of Assertiveness in Relationships
• Relationships and Assertiveness
• Lonliness and Fear of Rejection
• What Does It Take to Make New Friends?
• Abused? Speak Out! (video)

From HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs

Your comments and observations are welcomed.

• The Rhythm of Pain During Depression 
• 3 ADHD Upsides to Fight Insecurity 
• Causes of Eating Disorders: Is It Parenting? 
• The Mistake of Settling in a Relationship 
• Restless ADHD: 4 Tips to Fight It!
• Are You Bipolar, Or Do You Have Bipolar Disorder?
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Evidence-based vs. Opinion-based

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments at the bottom of any blog post. And visit the mental health blogs homepage for the latest posts.

Coaching Compassion And Kindness To The Sadistic Sibling

Do you have a mean-spirited child that inflicts pain and suffering on other siblings? You're not alone. The Parent Coach, Dr. Steven Richfield, recently received this letter:

"Our older son is so mean and sadistic to our younger son that we minimize family vacations, and time together. Help!"

Read his thoughtful response on dealing with cruel and sadistic behavior in children.