Is Someone You Love Perfect?

Do they have to display a good quality perfectly to qualify?

Bring to mind someone you love: child, grandchild, parent, close friend, intimate partner; someone in your life now or perhaps no longer with you in person.

Focus on the look on their face when they see you and smile. Bring up good memories of when you were together enjoying each other’s company.

Open your arms and hug them. Absorb the familiar touch and scent. Notice how you feel in your whole body. Take your time with this.

Now remember all the wonderful qualities of this person — what you really love and admire about them. The top 5 points for their eulogy. Write this down or make a mental list. See this list of Signature Strengths (written out below) and notice all that apply.

Remain grounded and aware of your body and your breath.

Next, think about the less-than-wonderful qualities of this person. It could be something that frustrates or scares you, like how they have a sharp tongue at times. Maybe they are driven by an addiction or compulsion or you hate driving with them because they rage in traffic. Take a few deep breaths and remain aware of your whole body. If you have intense images or words, stop and do some tapping or tracing before continuing.