Family pressure in decisions: finding your own way

Between your own wishes and your family's expectations: signs, questions to reflect on, and how decision coaching helps.

Family and the people around you

When it comes to study, work, where to live or who to marry, many people have a say, and your family's view often weighs more than your own. You don't want to disappoint anyone, nor live your life by someone else's plan.

How it can show up

You know your parents' view on your question better than your own.
You keep putting off a decision because every option would disappoint someone.
Conversations about your future end in arguments or silence.
You gave in once before and regret it today.

Questions for you

There are no right answers. Take the question that stays with you.

What would you choose if no one would be disappointed?
What worry lies behind your family's wish?
Which parts of their expectations do you share yourself?
How could you explain your decision so that your reasons can be heard?

Where coaching can help

In decision coaching we sort out what you want, what matters to your family and where the two fit together. That includes how to stand by your decision respectfully.

When other help fits better

If pressure turns into coercion, threats or violence, contact a counselling service, a person you trust or, in an emergency, the police.

If it is too much right now

Coaching is not psychotherapy and not a crisis service. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact the emergency services where you are right away, or a crisis service near you.

Want to talk it through?

In a free 20-minute intro call we look at whether coaching is the right way to work on this for you. If it is not, I will tell you so.

Book an intro call