“Walking on eggshells” is a metaphor commonly used by people in relationships characterized by some experts as “emotionally abusive.” In such relationships, a person’s unconscious coping strategies (often extending back to childhood) are activated; what results is an inhibition of authentic expression due to fears that one’s partner will receive the communication negatively. The goal is compliance with a partner who is highly reactive and may be emotionally unstable. Over time, walking on eggshells becomes a pattern of accommodation in a “rollercoaster” relationship punctuated by emerging tensions and occasional outbursts, followed by remitting periods of reparation. Eggshelling has been described in the marital therapy literature as a common feature of chronically conflictual couples, one that is highly resistant to therapeutic intervention. For the couple to change in a positive way, accommodation strategies  must be replaced by free, authentic expression and deeper levels of communication which, unfortunately, may be intolerable for one or both partners. In the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, February 6, 2021 (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM), the dynamics of walking on eggshells will be discussed, along with suggestions for avoiding or disengaging oneself from relationships that trend in this direction.

*Registration Directions: If you would like to attend the next virtual meeting of the Relationship Group Seminar on Saturday, February 6, 2021, 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM, please RSVP to me at 949-338-4388 or jt@jamestobinphd.com no later than Thursday, February 4, 2021. The fee is $25.00 (payable before entering the virtual meeting) and informed consent for participation in this telehealth event must be completed prior to the seminar. Please note that the Relationship Group Seminar is psychoeducational in nature, not therapeutic, and does not constitute psychotherapy or counseling.