Everyone is the “Responsible Party” sometimes
Most people are interested in how to interact with others in “right relationship” even if they are not paid caregivers. People just want to do better in relationships.
They want to study everyday ethics to clarify their motivations, consider their actions self-compassionately and acquire tools that will help them with family, friends, and work colleagues when they find themselves or choose to be in the role of the “Responsible Party” in a relationship.
What is a “Responsible Party?”
“Responsible Party” is a role we enter into, like “employer,” “host or hostess,” “babysitter,” or “caregiver” for someone who is temporarily unable to care for self in a way that we see is needed. At special times in ordinary life, we are called to provide “Responsible Party” care and presence for others.
Who does the “Responsible Party” care for?
The people for whom we are called to provide this care are our friends or loved ones. They, at least for a time, are experiencing a profound state. They might be…
- Hospitalized
- In hospice care
- In emotional or physical pain
- Adjusting to return from war or a recent traumatic event
- In a situation where long-term care is needed
- In a early period of recovery (such as early sobriety)
- Integrating the sudden memory recall of childhood abuse
- In a state of shock from an accident
- In a state of shock from a diagnosis or other news that has grave implications for themselves or loved ones
- In deep grief
- In need of listening support
- Experiencing childbirth or early parenthood
What does a “Responsible Party” do?
In these situations, our people need us to focus entirely on them without expecting them to return that care at the moment. They are working hard to heal or integrate big changes. They don’t have the bandwidth to listen to us or to provide reciprocal attention.
Many of us have been or will be caregivers for elderly parents or injured spouses. We sit with friends who have experienced profound grief and loss. We know people who have been in treatment for substance abuse or childhood trauma and return to ordinary life needing someone who can listen and understand. We may know people who have a profound experience with therapeutic psychedelic medicines or breathwork or life-changing workshops and are now in a period of rapid life changes.
Today, more than ever before, any of us may encounter a situation where we know we are called to “be there,” whether it is for a short hospital visit or a prolonged care commitment. We want to find a skillful way to create “right relationship” with those we love and care about when they need us to show up for them.
InnerEthics® provides education and training in
- Presence
- Empathy
- Self-Compassion
- Self-Reflection
- Right Relationship Tools
- Self-Care
Right Relationship! How to Communicate in Challenging and Profound Moments. In this video Kylea Taylor is interviewed about “everyday ethics” in communications with significant others. She provides thoughtful suggestions about how to create situations where both people feel safe, heard, and cared about. [23:54]
InnerEthics® 