LibraryScenariosWhen tough love becomes indistinguishable from cruelty
Scenario

When tough love becomes indistinguishable from cruelty

My sister borrowed money for rehab and relapsed again, and I cannot tell if saying no is love or punishment.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Protecting someone from consequences and enabling their destruction can require identical actions.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Justice and forgiveness — the tension?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.