I’ve been teaching a graduate class in Marriage and Family Therapy this semester and the focus of one class was on Virginia Satir, an incredible pioneer of family therapy.  She taught about the “Bill of Rights” for relationships and I feel that it is still quite relevant and appropriate to include on Passion 101 as a blog post. It defines how to be in a healthy relationship of any type.

1. I do not have to feel guilty just because someone else does not like what I do, say, think or feel.

2. It is OK for me to feel angry and to express it in responsible ways.

3. I do not have to assume full responsibility for making decisions, particularly where others share responsibility for making the decisions.

4. I have the right to say ‘I don’t understand’ without feeling stupid or guilty.

5. I have the right to say ‘I don’t know’.

6. I have the right to say NO without feeling guilty.

7. I do not have to apologize or give reasons when I say NO.

8. I have the right to ask others to do things for me.

9. I have the right to refuse requests which others make of me.

10. I have the right to tell others when I think they are manipulating, conning or treating me unfairly.

11. I have the right to refuse additional responsibilities without feeling guilty.

12. I have the right to tell others when their behavior annoys me.

13. I do not have to compromise my personal integrity.

14. I have the right to make mistakes and to be responsible for them. I have the right to be wrong.

15. I do not have to be liked, admired, or respected by everyone for everything I do.

Please share this Bill of Rights with your relationships, your children, your friends and anyone else that you feel would gain from it. And PRACTICE exercising YOUR rights!

I wish you the best,

Dr. Adam Sheck

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