James:

You’re right—good relationships don’t come from trying to be forthright with people who can’t handle it, nor do they come from being overly accommodating. Candid communication is essential for healthy relationships. Those of us who are transforming our hearts and lives cannot afford to keep people close to us who can’t tolerate conflict and openness. This means you have to be committed to either changing bad relationships or ending them. Ending a relationship requires great courage and is one of the most difficult challenges for a Chronically Nice person. Get support from a few trusted close friends, and try to keep in mind that you are creating some things in your life that you really need: security, respect, compassion, and love.