When survivors focus on healing instead of avoiding consequences, living in their truth is often interpreted as revenge. Survivors take the blame for disruption in the family, job, or organization. Forgiveness is not always the high road; it is often the back road, merely the path of least resistance.
Family members who wish to maintain a relationship with us will do so on our terms if they respect our intention to heal. If our interaction with them is limited to family functions, then we have to be honest about the relationship we are trying to reserve. We may be consciously or unconsciously trying to find a way to maintain family ties. Thus, we are not at the center of our healing, and healing is not at the center of our lives.