Safety

When you open this book here, know that safety is an essential quality for success in love and relationships. Its importance is rarely adequately recognized and as an issue it is frequently misunderstood. The term "safety" means "the freedom from threat of danger or injury" and it includes both your physical and your emotional well-being. You need to stop and review how safe you are feeling at the moment and also the reality of how safe you actually are.

Look at the obvious issues. Ask yourself some very basic questions. Are you physically safe in your relationship? Is there violence or the threat of violence in your love life? Think carefully when you answer this question. Has violence been escalating in your life recently? Are there doors slammed, glasses broken or any other acts like this which you are trivializing or dismissing? Take these issues seriously, because otherwise they'll only get worse.

If you are looking for a new relationship or have just met someone new this card cautions you to look after yourself properly. Meet in public places and go slowly until you really know that you can trust this person. If they are safe they will respect your caution.

Next, look at your emotional safety. How do you feel in relationships? Do you trust that you can open up and show your true self or are you careful and cautious, always trying to get it right so that you don't leave yourself vulnerable or exposed? In love we ought to feel safe. We deserve to believe that our feelings will be respected. Take this seriously. If something isn't right, it won't go away if you bury your head in the sand.

Or, it may be that you could be safer in your relationship or potential relationship than you realize. Now may be the time to move forward and take the risk of being more open and asking for what you want. Stop and think about what you need to feel safe. You may need to practice this alone before you can share it with another. Find out what it takes to make you feel comfortable. Comfort and safety are intricately linked. When you get better at tuning in to your feelings you'll learn to trust your instincts and you'll know when you are safe and when you're not.

Remember, safety is the foundation stone of LOVE.

(Love Wisdom by Carolyn Temsi & Caro Handley)