In ancient times, numerous civilizations developed a sport where teams pulled on opposite ends of a sturdy rope, and victory went to the team overpowering the other. This activity, commonly referred to as “tug-of-war,” exists today. Webster’s dictionary describes this activity as “a struggle for supremacy or control usually involving two antagonists.”
Not limited to teams with ropes, this “struggle for supremacy” extends into virtually every relationship, including family caregivers—particularly those dealing with cognitive impairment or addiction issues.
The war of wills adds increased stress to an already stress-filled environment. In tug-of-war, winners often land on their rears, and losers often fall flat on their faces. Since the two possible outcomes of landing on one’s rear or face present undesirable results, only one alternative exists for family caregivers when faced with a tug-of-war relationship . . .Don’t pick up the rope.
It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.
—Proverbs
In ancient times, numerous civilizations developed a sport where teams pulled on opposite ends of a sturdy rope, and victory went to the team overpowering the other. This activity, commonly referred to as “tug-of-war,” exists today. Webster’s dictionary describes this activity as “a struggle for supremacy or control usually involving two antagonists.”
Not limited to teams with ropes, this “struggle for supremacy” extends into virtually every relationship, including family caregivers—particularly those dealing with cognitive impairment or addiction issues.
The war of wills adds increased stress to an already stress-filled environment. In tug-of-war, winners often land on their rears, and losers often fall flat on their faces. Since the two possible outcomes of landing on one’s rear or face present undesirable results, only one alternative exists for family caregivers when faced with a tug-of-war relationship . . .Don’t pick up the rope.
It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.
—Proverbs