The document discusses 10 common blocks or barriers that people face in effectively expressing their feelings. These blocks can hurt relationships and lead to a lack of intimacy. The blocks include mind reading, fear of rejection, avoiding conflict, passive aggression, hopelessness, martyrdom, low self-esteem, feeling defective, acting like a volcano, and fear of feelings being used against them. Overcoming these blocks helps build strong relationships and a positive sense of self through open communication.

1. 10 blocks to expressing
feelings effectively
When it comes to expressing feelings many people
have a difficult time. However, effective
communication, including appropriate ways to
expressing feelings, fosters intimacy with others and
can help build a strong sense of self. When we lack
the skills or knowledge to effectively express our
feelings we can create "blocks" which can hurt or
hinder how we relate to others. These "blocks" can
create the opposite effect of intimacy, which can lead
to a variety of problems in our relationships.

2. 1.Mind reading. You expect others to
know how you feel and what you want
without taking responsibility for
expressing yourself directly.

3. 2. Fear. Your fear of rejection
and disapproval is so great
that you abandon yourself and
swallow your feelings.

4. 3. Conflict avoidant. You
avoid conflict or
uncomfortable feelings at all
costs.

5. 4. Passive-aggressive.
Instead of sharing your
feelings openly and
honestly, you use covert
tactics to communicate your
displeasure

6. 5. Hopelessness. You
believe the situation
will never change so
why try? This creates
a self-fulfilling
prophecy

7. 6. Martyrdom. You don't want
to admit your feelings because
you don't want to give anyone
the satisfaction of knowing
they've upset you. You suffer
silently with great pride.

8. 7. Low self-esteem. You
believe that you don't have a
right to express your feelings
or to ask others for what you
want. At the expense of self,
you focus on pleasing others
instead

9. 8. Feeling defective. You believe
that you shouldn't have irrational
feelings like anger, jealousy,
anxiety, depression, as that would
indicate that you are flawed or
"un-together."

10. 9. Volcano. You believe once
you start expressing your
feelings the hot lava will begin
to flow and no one will be able
to stop it! All will be destroyed.

11. 10. Miranda Warning.
You don't want to express
your feelings because you
are afraid they will be used
against you.