Emotional Safety

Often, “safety” simply means physical safety. Just as important, though often neglected, is emotional safety. This type of safety is crucial as we seek to establish relationships based on trust. Safety comes before trust, and requires honesty, openness, validation, understanding, and a willingness to empathize. When we are safe in a relationship, we know we will not be used or taken advantage of. When emotional safety is present, our relationships feel secure and we can relax, knowing that the other person has our best interests at heart. When we create safety in relationships, we also have the interests of the other person in our mind and heart.